Wrestling team tackles philanthropy

The Rose-Hulman wrestling team has been doing a lot of big things both on the mat and off this season. On Wednesday, December 13, the team earned a 36 to 12 victory over MacMurray College. The event marked the only home wrestling match to be held by the Engineers this year.

The team chose to dedicate the meet to the American Cancer Society. They sold t-shirts to raise cancer awareness and charged admission to the match. The profit was then turned over to the American Cancer Society.

Coach Greg Archer said, “The Rose-Hulman verses MacMurray Wrestling Meet/American Cancer Society Fund Raiser was a tremendous success. Rose not only won the meet but we were able to raise over $1,000 for the American Cancer Society to use in their fight against cancer. I am really proud of our guys.

“It took extra effort on their part. They did a great job in promoting the event on campus and selling T-shirts to raise money for the ACS. What I find amazing is that they made time to do this while maintaining their studies and practicing. These are some of the finest young men in the world. They understand the concept that it is important to give back to your community and to help others. These guys are really givers in the game of life.”

Freshman Tyler Thornton added, “I really think that the event raised awareness for cancer as well as our wrestling team. Not only did we raise money for a wonderful cause with the t-shirts and the ticket sales but we also supported our wrestling team which doesn’t get as much recognition as some other winter sports. I think that everyone had a great time at the event especially, Dr. J being the assistant coach right near all the action.”

Coach Archer also thanked several other campus organizations. “We also owe thanks to RHA, SGA and the campus chapter of the ACS. These folks provided financial support and/or volunteers.

“Kevin Lanke, our sports information director, never gets all the credit he deserves. Kevin did a great job on helping promote the meet and deserves a big thank you. [...] Coach Jenkins oversees all of our sports at Rose and also coaches baseball, so we really appreciated him taking some time from his busy schedule to come and help. We owe a really big special thanks to our honorary coach and president, ‘Coach Jerry Jakubowski.’

“Dr. Jakubowski spoke with the team, helped coach and cheered the team on. Coach Jakubowski also made the check presentation to the American Cancer Society on behalf of Rose Wrestling. The kids really appreciated the support of our Number One Engineer.”

Overall, the team has been wrestling well so far, according to team members. Freshman Anthony Finigan said, “The team is doing well. We have a large pool of talent and an excellent coach. Once we work out the knots in technique we will be a force to reckon with. I have to say that the team we have is a bunch of individuals who know what they want and work hard to get it.” The Engineers are coached by Tony Karras, Greg Archer, and Mark Buti.

The next match will be held on January 6 at Knox College.