Sterling Lions Wrestling Tournament

STERLING LIONS HOST THE 34th  EDITION OF THE TERRY  McGOWAN INVITATIONAL WRESTLING TOURNAMENT

. The Sterling Lions Club is proud to host the 34th Annual Terry McGowan Invitational Wrestling Tournament.  This year’s event will be held at Park View High School on Saturday, December 15, 2012.  The Tournament begins at 9:00 AM in the Park View High School Gymnasium, located at 400 West Laurel Avenue, in Sterling, Virginia. 

Eight teams from high schools around the region have already confirmed their participation.  In addition to the host team, the Park View Patriots, there will be seven other teams participating.  These teams are:  Potomac Falls, Sherando, John Champe, Woodgrove, Herndon, Bishop O'Connell and Harrisonburg High.  These teams will be competing in 14 weight classes leading to an outstanding full day of High School wrestling excitement.

Individual medals will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place. Awards will be based on the records of the wrestlers completing their matches.  First,  Second and Third Place team trophies will be awarded. In addition, each team will recognize a wrestler to receive that teams’ Most Valuable Wrestler plaque, which not only recognizes that member’s contribution to the team effort, but also to the wrestler exhibiting the qualities of fair play, enthusiasm and discipline in the tournament.

          This will be the 34th year the Sterling Lions have hosted this event.  Even though this one time fundraiser has become a major expense, the Lions have chosen to continue to host the event for the benefit of our area youth.  Lion Dwight Brooks has chaired the event for the past 19 years, and has worked on the event for 32 years since becoming a member of the Sterling Lions Club in 1980.  Lion Dwight took over the chairmanship of the event after the original chairman and namesake, Terry McGowan, moved from the area to retire in Victoria, Texas in 1993.  Lion Terry McGowan’s son, Scott McGowan, was a star on the Park View Wrestling Team and was a driving force in organizing the first Sterling Lions Invitational Wrestling Tournament 34 years ago the event that now bears his name. 

The event allows ranked teams and their wrestlers to compete against other top contenders from schools that they may not see in their regular schedule.  Sterling Lions President, Lion Davida Luehrs, reminds us that the costs of providing this quality event have skyrocketed over the years, and that the club depends on the support of the local community.  “The event is no longer a fundraiser, but a youth outreach service project”, Lion Davida Luehrs says.  To help defray the cost of producing this top caliber sporting event, the Lions are seeking a donation for admission.  Admission for an All Day Pass will be:  $7.00.  You can receive a $2 discount if you bring in a donation of a pair of used eye glasses, hearing aid, old cell phone for recycling or a non-perishable food item for donation to local food bank..  Lion President Davida Luehrs also noted that this year the Sterling Lions are seeking corporate sponsors to help with the cost of running this event.  Individuals and Businesses who wish to help sponsor this event and receive a year end tax deduction should contact Lion Dwight Brooks, Lions Club of Sterling Charities, Inc. at (703)723-0077, e-mail: sterlinglions@verizon.net, or by mail to: P.O. Box 45, Sterling, VA  20167-0045.    

          Help support our youth and your favorite teams as well as the Visually and Hearing-Impaired by attending this prestigious event.  For more information, contact Lion Dwight Brooks at (703) 244-7401; or the Assistant Athletic Director of Park View High School, Meredith Polen, at (571) 434-4510.

          For more information on the Lions Club of Sterling Charities, Inc. see our web page at:  http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/sterlingva/index.php, or call Lion Mike Ryan at (703) 723-0077.  The Lions Club of Sterling Charities, Inc. is a §501(c)(3) non-profit charity.  Donations may be considered tax deductible under the Internal Revenue Code.  We are also participating in the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign.  We would appreciate your designation of  #8082 on you annual United Way pledge form, or # 86446 on your annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) pledge form.  We thank you for your support.