The Service High wrestling team will be taking the mat to host Bettye Davis East at 6 p.m. on Wednesday for a showdown between two of the top programs in the Cook Inlet Conference.
However, the action and festivities won’t stop after the last match of the dual meet. For the first time in program history, the Cougars will be hosting an alumni event that will double as a fundraiser.
According to organizer and volunteer assistant coach Lindsey Yip, the proceeds from the event will help the current team cover travel expenses and tournament entry fees, among other expenses.
Service has had one of the more successful wrestling programs in the state for decades and former wrestlers from multiple generations are set to compete.
There will be a total of seven matches between former region, state, collegiate and All-American wrestlers.
Some of the former athletes that will be taking part include:
* Luke Duffy, who is a two-time state champion and was head coach at Service when the program last won a state title in 2012 with nine finalists.
* Ryan Kopiasz, who is an Alaska state champ, former Division II college All American and is currently an assistant coach at West High.
* Pete Dickinson, who is an Alaska state champ, two-time Division II college All American as well as an assistant coach at Soldotna High.
The regularly scheduled dual between the current Cougars and the Thunderbirds will begin at 6 p.m. and the alumni event will follow shortly after the dual is over.