Roughly 300 young wrestlers will be at Iola High School Saturday for the Allen County Open/Novice Invitational.
Wrestling begins at 9 a.m. and will feature youths from 25 clubs across Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Thirty-one Allen County youngsters will be a part of the action.
Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children.
Proceeds will benefit the Allen County Wrestling Club, event host.
“This event is not only our largest fundraiser for the year, it is our time to show our stuff on the mat before our hometown crowd,” AC Wrestling Club coach John Taylor said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the effort our kids have shown on the mat.”
Tournament officials are looking for volunteers to help serve as table and door workers and to help set up and tear down equipment.
“It is a great opportunity for anyone who has a few hours to give back to the kids,” Taylor said.
Those willing to volunteer should call Jana Taylor at (620) 228-3788.
Concessions will be available. Breakfast includes biscuits and gravy. Lunch will feature pulled pork sandwiches and pizza.
Funds raised from concession sales go to help the Iola High School wrestling program.
“We firmly believe that there are no losers in wrestling, only learners,” Taylor said “It is in those times of defeat that the lesson is the strongest. That is what wrestling has done for so many of these kids. I promise you won’t be disappointed with what you see on Saturday.”
Saturday’s meet will be the last tournament as a full team for the Allen County group. After Saturday is a series of qualifying matches for the club’s experienced wrestlers. A sub-district tournament is March 16 in Pittsburg.
Area wrestlers ready to shine for locals
