Panthers Help Raise Funds for Autism at Beach Tournament

HOLLAND, MI

Panther wrestlers helped raise $140.00 for Autism awareness and research at Tunnel Park on July 17th. West Ottawa partnered with Myrmidon Training Systems and Michigan USA Wrestling (MUSAW) to host a beach wrestling tournament. halkf of the proceeds went to Pinning Down Autism,  a charitable organization whose mission is to respond and address the immediate needs of children and their families within our local communities that are affected by autism and to promote education and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder’s.

Coach Lancaster felt this would be an excellent opportunity to give back to the community through wrestling."I've wanted to use wrestling to work with a charity for quite some time," Lancaster said."I felt Pinning down Autism would be the perfect fit for us, as I personally know many that are affected everyday by autism. Coupled with the fact that it was a fun summer beach tournament, today was a great day for everyone to have fun and do something bigger than themselves. 

Beach wrestling is a style of wrestling that Coach Lancaster is passionate about as well, as he is the MUSAW Director of Beach Wrestling for the state of Michigan. The rules of beach wrestling are very simple:

• First wrestler to TEN points is declared the winner
• 1 point for a pushout, 2 points for takedowns, and 4 points for takedowns with back exposure
• One 3-minute period with no overtime
• Criteria for match tied during regulation: 1. Highest value action 2. Last to score

Coach Lancaster looks to not only host another tournament, but find other ways to donate to this charity and others."Myrmidon sort of has a personal connection with Pinning Down Autism, so I can see west Ottawa definitely raising more funds in the near future."

For those interested in wrestling more beach wrestling, next week is the MUSAW State Finals, hosted at Tawas Bay Beach Resort. More information can be found at MUSAW's website.

Want to know more about Pinning Down Autism? Click HERE

Want to know more about Beach Wrestling? Click HERE