The Geary Invitational Wrestling Tournament started in 1945 – that’s right, 80 years ago. It will be put on again Jan.1011 in Geary.Matches get underway at 10 a.m.
There are multiple reasons the tourney remains a regional and national favorite. The teams enjoy being housed locally, in churches and even in the wrestling room and the gym itself. The entire community pitches in to provide food for the coaches and officials via its hospitality room. The hospitality staff begins collecting monetary donations about the first of October to help with the provisions.
Amber Forney heads up the hospitality committee. She has been advised to expect about 20 teams. Each team will bring about three coaches and there are officials to consider as well. Because there are multiple matches going on at the same time throughout the tournament, there are an equal number of officials, plus those waiting or on break. That tallies to about 100 people who need a place to rest, get a drink, snack or full plate of food.
Forney said if anyone in the community wants to donate, there is still time, simply contact the high school. And if that donation is in the form of food, it can be dropped off at the hospitality room at the back of the Stegall-Long Field House.