First Posted: 1/20/2015
YATESVILLE — For several years now, Pittston Area and Wyoming Area have been meeting in a wrestling showdown on the final day of the dual meet season. This year’s matchup means a little more.
Pittston Area and Wyoming Area wrestlers will come together for a “Pink Out” match on Thursday, Feb. 12 at Pittston Area. All T-shirt sale proceeds from the event will go to Candy’s Place in Forty-Fort to benefit cancer patients.
“Pink Out” T-shirts were available for purchase from the Pittston Area and Wyoming Area wrestling teams. Shirt order forms were passed out to each school in the Greater Pittston area. The front of the shirt reads: PA vs WA – wrestlers support the fight against breast cancer. The back of the shirt reads: Two Teams, One Cause, One Fight.
Both Pittston Area and Wyoming Area students will be allowed to wear the shirts during school on the day of the match as a dress down day. At the event, there will be a limited number of shirts on hand for purchase. Sizes cannot be guaranteed.
Pittston Area assistant Phil Dunn said the wrestlers are excited to take to the mat and help a worthy cause.
“Both teams are working to help a great cause,” he said. “We try to get the kids to show the dedication they do on the mat off of it — getting them to work towards community service and bringing the community together.”
The two teams will come together it what will be the final Wyoming Valley Conference dual meet of the season. Both teams are expected to be around the 0.500 mark at that point of the season. It will be a showdown prior to the PIAA District 2 individual tournaments on Feb. 21 and 22. The District 2 team tournaments will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31.
Dunn graduated from Pittston Area in 2004 and was a member of Pittston Area’s last conference wrestling championship.
“It’s the rivalry,” Dunn said. “The match pairs up pretty well. It depends on who wants it more when it comes down to the individuals.”
And while they can wear the shirts in school, the wrestlers will also be sporting them prior to the match. Some of them will be wearing pink accessories, such as pink head gear and socks.
“I just want to see the community come together,” Pittston Area senior Jake Vaxmonsky said. “It’s going to be cool seeing two big rivals come together for a specific cause.”
The fact that the proceeds will benefit Candy’s Place is especially important.
“It’s pretty nice to have it benefiting this,” Pittston Area senior Dan Gambini said. “Everyone has had someone affected by cancer in their family. We have a lot of people coming out to support.”
During the match, the Pittston Area concession stand will be open and a 50-50 raffle will take place. Those proceeds will help Candy’s Place.
“I think it will be a great environment,” Pittston Area freshman Ryan Lombardo said. “Everyone is going to have a lot of fun.”
Candy’s Place is located on Welles Street in Forty-Fort. The cancer wellness center provides support to cancer patients and their loved ones.
