Wrestling club knows who to pin thanks on

Once again, the Nikiski Freestyle Wrestling Club would like to give an enormous thank-you to the local communities, individuals and business who aided us in having a successful fund-raiser for the team at our annual Fiesta Feed.

Many contributed and many will benefit. Hopefully, not only in the enjoyment of the food and items and services purchased, but also in the knowledge that the money raised will go to helping young people in the area achieve something greater in the matter of stretching themselves beyond the norm of everyday life to accept the challenges of learning a sport and its lessons of discipline, adversity, competition and teamwork.

Specific, heartfelt thanks to all of the following who were a huge help by donating items and services for our taco feed and auctions:

Peterkin Distributors; Rod and Laura Peterkin; Uptown Motel and Louie's Restaurant; Dave and Shannon Schilling; Leslie Wahl; Mr. Funwyzer Charters; ASRC Energy Services; Peninsula Asphalt and Paving; Kenai Elks Lodge; Northern Lights; Jay and Jane Griffel; Kakivik Asset Management; Alaska Roadrunner; Bakers Oil Tools; Dale's Unlimited; Denise Tuttle — The Body Shop; Kenai Vision Center; Shannon Swanson; CNK Computer Solutions; Karl and Christine Cooper; Sweeney's; Arby's; Trustworthy Hardware; Crescent Electric Supply Co.; Kelly Harrington Reilly; River and Sea Marine Supply; Ted Riddall; The Haircutters; Peak Oil Field Services; Radio Shack; Kevin and Jan R. Feller; Metal Magic; Salty Dog Saloon; Corporate Express; Body Master; Anderson Enterprises; M and M Market; Body, Mind and Spirit; Summit Dry Cleaners; Candy Bouquet; Yesterday, Today and Forever; Nikiski Hair and Nails; About Face; Heidi Covey; Don's Drywall and Painting; Bear Paw Coffee Shop and Deli; Don and Beth Jones; Alaska Anvil Inc.; Enstar; Veronica's Coffee House; Todd and JoLynne Sauve; Nikiski Fire Station No. 2; Safeway; Tesoro; Kassi Johnson; API; and one unknown donor.

Gratitude also is extended to Beth Jones, the Peninsula Clarion and KSRM radio for their parts in advertising our event. And thanks to the NPRSA for the use of the North Peninsula Community Recreation Center as a location to hold the event.

We are additionally very thankful for these businesses and individuals who have helped our club throughout the season by donating financially:

Eagles Aerie No. 35255; OSK; Uptown Motel; 40/8; American Legion; Agrium; Jeffery Jefferson; Nikiski Building Supply; Rediske Air; Udelhoven Oilfield System; Darral and Teri Langston; Linda Superman; North Road Inc.; Bay Builders; Preferred Realty; and The Place.

Without all of the above, who have so generously contributed, we as a club would not be able to maintain a team such as we do, especially one with a roster of about 70 wrestlers.

We greatly appreciate all of the support shown to us by our community, friends, neighbors and wrestling families.

Charlene Johnson

NFWC team mom

Nikiski