Folks In Skiatook Help Fundraise To Send Wrestling Team To State Tournament

Kids in Skiatook are at the state wrestling tournament this weekend, thanks to a community that came together after their fundraiser was canceled.

When winter weather shut down the big wrestling tournament before state this weekend, the team and coach were devastated. But the Skiatook community made sure to show their support in a big way.

"We've got a lot of good kids in the room," said James Clack.

James Clack has been the Skiatook youth wrestling head coach for a few years.

Kids ages 3 to 16 can join the team- and it's a big deal in the town.

So when their last tournament was canceled due to the recent winter storm, everyone was worried.

"That tournament raises money to get our kids entered into the state, covers the cost of state shirts," he said.

The tournament brings up to 700 wrestlers to Skiatook, so it is a huge fundraiser for the program and town.

Clack told parents since it was canceled, they would need to cover costs for kids to go to the state tournament.

"I couldn't let it happen," said Denise Spencer.

Spencer owns Magnolias on Main in Skiatook. She has three kids in the wrestling program and posted on social media about it.

"I donated money as a salon owner, and challenged other small businesses and individuals to help us get these kids to state," she said. "And they did it."

"It took off like a wildfire," Clack said.

Clack said he was blown away by how many people and businesses chipped in to cover entry and t-shirt fees for the 24 wrestlers that qualified for this weekend's state tournament.

"This is what they worked for all season," Spencer said. "This is the cherry on top of their sundae."

"Whether they keep wrestling or not, they are never ever going to forget this," Clack said.

The Skiatook tournament is being rescheduled for next weekend.