By Jim Richardson
On March 19th, 2011 the 4th Annual Mental Aerobics Wrestling Championships (MAWC) had close to 200 wrestlers coming together from around the midwest to wrestle for kids in need.
The one day event called the “FREAK FEST” showcased wrestlers that had state and national championships under their belt all the way to wrestlers that placed fifth in their respective sections and just wanted to test themselves against kids from different states.
The Mental Aerobics Wrestling Championships is a non-profit charity event which is part of Mental Aerobics Charities (MAC). This is a one of a kind tournament that raised over $12,000 in one day that will help benefit wrestling families in need. The mission statement of this tournament includes “kids wrestling for kids in need” and they did just that.
This is a open tournament for any wrestler from 7th grade to 12th grade. It is a laid-back carnival style with that freestyle feel type event. The tournament has a halftime where we have a flip contest, handstand race contest and newly implemented “heavyweight roll” contest. The crowd absolutely loves the change of pace as do the wrestlers.
This year’s outstanding wrestler was a 135-pounder from Menusha, WI and the freak’s name is Thomas Allen. Thomas had a outstanding day of wrestling beating a host of state champs and state place winners. The wrestling officials (referees) vote on who they feel was the oustanding wrestler of the day – just another one-of-a-kind recipe that MAWC has, that sets this event apart from the rest.
MAC will be hosting a couple more events over the summer to help wrestling families in need. On June 25th there will be a 4×4 truck mud bog in Grand Meadow, MN and the 13th Annual Big Jim Classic Golf outing will take place on August 13th at the Oaks Golf course in Hayfield, MN.
If you have a family in mind and wish to donate directly to them, make your check out to “MAC” with a note and we will make it happen, we can get you your tax reciept ASAP!
If you have any information of a family or wrestler that could use our help please email me at gmchief@hotmail.com.
Yours in sport,
Jim “The Unit” Richardson
The Official’s Outstanding Wrestler with some of the best Minnesota referees (L-R): Steve Graff, Jim Richardson of Mental Aerobics, Geln Hinze, Jerry Reker, O.W. Thomas Allen, Paul Fishbaugher, Kurt Nathe, Bill Olson, Mike Roff, Nick Severson of Mental Aerobics, and Nye McCarthy.
2011 Mental Aerobics Wrestling Championships Champions
98-Gannon Volk, AppleValley MN
103-Tanner Johnshoy, Prior Lake MN
112-Sean O’Neil Prior, Lake MN
119-Ryan McQuade, Appleton West WI
125-Haydon Rouser, ACGC MN
130-Brady Johnshoy, Prior Lake MN
135-OW-Thomas Allen, Menusha WI
140-Gabe Fogerty, Scott West MN
145-Curt Maas, Medford MN
152-Tyler Mergen, Monticello MN
160-Kegan Gennrich, Hortonville WI
171-Kyle Begin, Anoka MN
189-Coyte Kuefner, Owatonna MN
215-Michael Kroells, Scott West MN
Hwt-Sam Stoll, Kasson MN