Teacher goes to the mat for students
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On March 13, the gym at Sequatchie County Middle School will be filled with brawling, yelling, and excitement, all for a good cause. Scenic City Invitational (SCI) and Action Wrestling are bringing pro wrestling for a fundraiser March 13, and one of those with a match is SCMS teacher and coach Grady Wilson. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. with the wrestling matches get underway at 7:00.
“This is raising money for our school-wide PBIS (positive behavior intervention and support) program,” Wilson explained. “There are student incentives for attendance, behavior, and overall classroom achievement, such as our year-end carnival and other incentives throughout the school year.”
Wilson, a math and social studies teacher at SCMS while working as a football coach, said he has known SCI promoter Scott Hensley for years and says the show will be suitable for all ages.
“Scott and I have been on mission trips together,” he recalled. “He’s run quite a few events like this in the Chattanooga area. We did one together for Sale Creek. They’ve raised approximately $100,000 for Chattanooga area schools.”
Wilson has been working hard, literally learning the ropes at the TWE wrestling training center in Red Bank from their staff and wrestlers.
“I will be in a tag team match with my partner, Tank, who is from Chattanooga,” Wilson said. “We’re going to have a Sequatchie County Street Fight against The Country Gentlemen, and their manager, Joe Cazana.”
“This will be a family-friendly event,” he added. “They will announce at the beginning of the show, no profanity, no inappropriate language or crowd remarks. Fans will be escorted out for inappropriate conduct and language.”
Wilson said the goal is to raise money directly benefiting students, but also to bring the community together for an activity families can enjoy.
On March 13 during the school day, a pep rally promoting the event will be held leading into Friday night’s matches. Students can attend the pep rally for $5, which is also their admission into the evening show.
“Our students are selling $10 general admission tickets,” Wilson said. “Front row tickets can be purchased through sciwrestling.com. Those wanting to sit close to the ring should probably get their tickets early.”
Friday’s show will last from two to three hours, he said.
Various individuals have been part of the fundraising and match including SCI’s Scott Hensley, Action Wrestling promoter Matt Griffin, SCMS Principal Devona Smith and Assistant Principal Paige Swanner, his tag partner Tank, the men and women training him at TWE, and community sponsors.
