The Madera South wrestling team helped give back to the community just before Christmas.
The Stallions hosted a Coaches vs. Alumni dual meet for charity Dec. 23. The teams collected toys for Victim Services of Madera County and donated more than 50 toys.
“We have always done this dual meet, but we ran out of time in November and pushed it to December so we thought why not attach a toy drive,” Madera South head coach Sal Gonzalez said.
The coaches defeated the alumni
24-20 in the dual meet, but the highlight of the meet was a match between Scrooge and Santa Claus that, of course, Santa Claus won.
“It was real entertaining,” Gonzalez said. “It was a real good night. I think we found something to give back to the community.”
Gonzalez was happy with the event and was able to get a bigger crowd because the event was held during Christmas break.
“We had kids come home for the holidays get involved,” Gonzalez said. “A lot of the kids that attended the event were excited. We had a lot of good vibes from it.”
Gonzalez said he had about 25 toys donated at the meet, but raised more than $200 from the gate receipts and at the snack bar. Gonzalez’s wife went out the next day to purchase toys to donate.
“I think we will be doing this from now on,” Gonzalez said. “I want to do it the weekend after Jr. Chukchansi. I think we found something for our community and program.”