On Friday night, October 27th, 2023, there will be a preseason showcase event meant to exhibit the excitement of wrestling. It will be held at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia and will be the first ever wrestling match held there. The New River Showcase will be sponsored by the New River Wrestling Club and is not public high school affiliated.
The intention is to capture an All-Star meet feel. There will be a "fight card" - 16 pre-set matches which will be wrestled under a spotlight. There will be both boys and girls matches and all wrestlers will be able to choose their own walkout music. They'll even be allowed to play to the crowd, wear whatever singlet they wish, walkout in capes, helmets, props, etc - anything to play up the fun. In addition, there will be a "halftime show" of either a gymnastics team or music group midway through the card. The purpose is to create a fun, electric event - a spectacle that showcases how great and exciting the sport of wrestling can be.
We're trying to make elite competitive matches so if you have a few kids that would like to commit to participate or you feel would get a lot from this event, please let me know and we'll confirm them to participate. Matches are first come, first serve and will be set upon availability depending on fair weight classes. There is no entry fee for your wrestlers but there is an entrance fee for spectators. Also there will be no weigh-ins so we'll go on the honor system and make sure your wrestlers are at least close in weight and experience. If you have any questions or are interested in knowing more, email Dennis Wymer at dwymer@oak-hill.net.
So far, we've got some great wrestlers committed for our showcase on the 27th of October and we would LOVE to have Tennessee represented here! If you have any wrestlers - male or female - that you feel would make a good match with these athletes OR any kid of yours you feel would love to take part, we'll get your kid a match please so please reach out to me. Here's the match card as it currently stands:
1. Sergio Rodriquez (NR) 5th VHSL v. Reid Stiltner (Machine Shed WC) 14U VA State Champ
2.
3. Caleb Thompson (NR) v Boys 103-113
4. Emma Mueller (OHA) v. Danielle Burkhardt (NR) Girls 127-132
5. Cole Lorenz (NR) 6th VHSL v. Boys 152-160
6. Kat Hicks (OHA) v. Carlee Vanatter-Grove (Shady Spring) 2nd WV Girls State
7.
8.
9. JT Porter (NR) vs Bo Anders (NR) 5th VHSL
10. Lucy Kaye Cherry (NR) v. Girls 136-146
11. Landon King (NR) 6th VHSL v. David Torkornoo (OHA)
12.
13. Isabella Hill (NR) 6th VHSL v. Girls 146
14.
15.
16. Jamie Hearl (Mt. Airy) 2nd NCHSAA, NHSCA All-American v Brooklynn McClure (Shady Spring) 2x 3rd WV Girls State
This is a great opportunity to truly grow the sport and also make a fun event. Also a great photo op for your wrestlers too!