Rockwall, Lovejoy wrestle to pin cancer

(ROCKWALL, TX – Nov. 17, 2016) The world’s toughest sport took on the world’s toughest opponent in the “War on the Shore” event on Saturday, Nov. 12, which saw Rockwall and Lovejoy youth, middle school and high school wrestlers battle it out on the mat at The Harbor to raise funds for cancer research.

Rockwall and Lovejoy wrestling partnered with Pin Cancer – a nonprofit organization which raises funds for cancer research through the sport of wrestling – for the event set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Ray Hubbard. Thanks to the joint effort by both wrestling programs, over $5,600 was raised through donations and sponsorships. All the proceeds benefited Pin Cancer and St. Jude Children’s Hospital for patient care and cancer research.

Major Dodge IV, from the Rockwall Youth Wrestling Club, works a half-nelson pinning combination at Saturday’s “War on the Shore” Pin Cancer benefit.

When Rockwall High School Wrestling coaches Wesley Pohorsky and Mike McMahon discussed putting on an outdoor wrestling event to raise money for cancer last fall, the idea gained a lot of support from the Rockwall Wrestling community.

Rockwall wrestling’s Chris Vermillion works a breakdown during his match against his Lovejoy High School opponent.

“I do not know an individual who has not been impacted in some way by cancer, be it a family member, friend, or friend of a friend,” said Coach McMahon. “Cancer is a vicious animal and Pin Cancer gave us a platform to help in their battle, allowing us to raise funds for patient care and research initiatives for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

“I could not be more proud of our kids, Rockwall Wrestling, past and present, and the entire Rockwall community, for supporting our event. The wrestlers were the ones on the mat, battling for a great cause. All involved walked away better people by supporting both high school programs as they wrestled for a cure. A lot of people came together to make this happen and that is a testament to the family that makes up the Rockwall Wrestling community. We cannot thank our sponsors, supporters, and the City of Rockwall enough for making this a memorable event, a memory that will last a lifetime as we do our part in helping others.”