CHRIS KIEFFER
News staff writer
Wrestlers will be the first to tell you there is something transcendent about the sport.
They might go at it on the mat, but off it they are one big family.
The chance to help wrestling family members in need brought together a pair of bitter rivals last weekend when the Vestavia Hills and Hoover high school wrestling teams met at Friday’s football game between the two schools and worked to raise money for a high school wrestling team from New Orleans.
In all, about $1,000 was raised for the wrestling team at Brother Martin High School, which was flooded with about two feet of water from Hurricane Katrina.
“It’s helping out wrestlers, which is a great thing, plus we help out the victims of the hurricane, “Vestavia Hills wrestler Stephen Brown said. “We have a big rivalry (with Hoover), but it’s for a good cause. I’d do anything for fellow wrestlers.”
The fund-raising began when Vestavia wrestling coach Steve Gaydosh had the idea to help the Crusaders, who will travel to Vestavia for a wrestling tournament in late December. Hoover wrestling coach C.T. Campbell said Gaydosh called and asked his help.
“As soon as Coach Gaydosh brought it up to me, I didn’t even hesitate, “Campbell said. “A lot of people are giving clothing and help to people down there, but we’re forgetting about the kids and the coaches who don’t have anything else. All they have to hold onto is their team unity and their teammates.”
The money the Birmingham wrestlers raised will help pay the Brother Martin’s travel expenses when they come to town for the tournament, said head wrestling coach Joe Corso, and will also help replace the school’s wrestling mats, which were destroyed in the flooding. All told, Corso hopes to raise about $30,000.
Currently, Corso is living in a house with about eight Crusader wrestlers in Baton Rouge. Brother Martin is temporarily holding classes in Baton Rouge until the school can reopen, tentatively set for Jan. 17. Until then Corso, who expects to have about 30 wrestlers when the team starts practice Oct. 18, said the team will practice in the morning between 8 a.m. and noon before attending class from 3:45 to 9:30 p.m.
“We’re trying to save the program for the seniors and trying to muster a season, “Corso said. “It’s just a matter of keeping that dream alive. I’m really impressed with the fact that people are willing to help us. It’s a great feeling to be a part of that family.”
Brother Martin senior Matthew Cotoya said wrestling has helped him and his teammates through a difficult experience.
“It’s a scary time, “Cotoya said. “You never really expect this to happen. You just want to think about your house and getting through this. To wrestle just gets your mind off of it. It’s my sanctuary. There is nothing else to think about when you wrestle.”
Hoover senior wrestler Dustin Arnold said he was glad to have an opportunity to help.
“I can’t go down to Louisiana to help so this is another way we can help them, “Arnold said. “I understand that if those kids aren’t able to have money to go to tournaments, they could lose scholarships and opportunities for bigger and better things.”
Information on Brother Martin wrestling is available at www.brothermartinwrestling.com.
Wrestling Gear
