Church's wrestling tourney draws standing-room-only crowd

The Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church sponsored their eighth annual Wrestling Invitational on Saturday, drawing an all-time record for the event. Pastor Pat Coyle, director of the tournament, commented, "This was the biggest we have ever had, by far."

Coyle said that there were over 150 wrestlers competing and spectators that filled the gymnasium, with an overflow crowd.

"I have never seen this many kids here before," said Manny Hernandez, whose son was competing for the second year. "This is a great tournament because it is at the beginning of the season, and it gives the kids who aren't used to competing some great experience."

Coyle said that in the beginning, the event was geared to the inexperienced wrestler who is looking to get some experience when it comes to competing. "It is designed for younger wrestlers, from kindergarten to eighth grades, and has become a great place for newer wrestlers to learn," said Coyle.

Wrestlers who are new to the competitive arena can benefit from tournaments such as these, preparing them for opponents that are more experienced.

Several members of the Shafter Youth Wrestling Spartans competed in the event in several weight divisions.

Coyle, who has many years experience in the competitive wrestling world, was a collegiate wrestler and has used his year of experience in teaching a wrestling camp every summer, showing novice wrestlers proper technique, in addition to this great tournament that jumpstarts the competitive wrestling calendar.

Aden Ruelas and Evan Jimenez were just a couple of the local wrestlers who wrestled for medals on Saturday, with over 12 different weight divisions being decided. Shafter Spartans will be competing in the near future in a major tournament held at Shafter High School.