Glennallen Wrestlers Close Season with Celebration
Melanie McGinnis
This spring, Glennallen wrestlers and their families celebrated the conclusion of the season with an honors banquet highlighting the achievements of all who participated in the program throughout the 2021-2022 school year. Coaches Trenton Culp and Chad Gerlach spoke to the achievements of this year’s high school and middle school teams.
High school wrestlers were presented with a custom challenge coin that displays the Latin phrase “Virtus, Honor, Et Fortitudo,” which translates to “virtue, honor and fortitude.” Upon presentation, Gerlach challenged each of his team members to carry themselves in a manner that is reflective of the values found on the coin.
After taking third at state as a team–and securing several individual state wins–the outlook for the teams is bright. With four graduates, including Alex Buck, Keegan Delaquito, Jordan Korth, and Nathaniel Severs, the majority of the team remains young and dedicated to upholding the positive reputation of rivaled wrestlers that precedes them. Additional honors included the timeless tradition of receiving letterman patches and bars.
Wrestling club coach Mark Pick presented certificates to wrestlers as young as first grade. Club wrestling was reinstated this year after a two-year hiatus, a result of the Covid19 pandemic. For many club wrestlers, this was their first opportunity to participate in the sport.
Other recognitions included the decade-long commitment of Yvette Delaquito. Delaquito has overseen the Copper River Wrestling Club Boosters, which helps provide team finances required for travel and competition fees, organizes fundraising, and more. Thank you to the many community members who have been a great support to the program, cheering our young men to success.
The Glennallen wrestling teams would like to especially thank Copper Valley Electric for their generous monetary donation. Donated funds ease the individual financial cost for wrestlers to participate.
Students interested in participating in Glennallen wrestling can keep up with the Copper River Panther Wrestlers facebook page for more information.
