The season doesn’t start for five months, but the Jackson High School softball team is already preparing to lay a smackdown on the Jackson area — the kind that consists of big-time wrestling.
The Vikings softball squad is raising money for equipment by hosting a Championship International Wrestling showcase called “Smackdown in Jacktown” in the old Jackson High School gym at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Tickets, from $6 to $10, can be purchased at The Collectors Zone, 1425 Wildwood Ave.; Buffalo BBQ Wings, 1085 Wisner St.; Virginia Coney Island, 549 E. Michigan Ave.; and Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, 206 Page Ave.
Phil Monahan, aka “Nitro,” said 19 wrestlers are scheduled to appear, and a possible surprise appearance by local “superhero” Captain Jackson is in the works.
Monahan works with Jackson High School softball coach Jim Kolb at the Jackson prison. When he heard Kolb was looking for a way to raise money for his girls, he quickly suggested a fundraising show with Championship International Wrestling.
The wrestlers have shared funds with groups like local fire departments in the past, Monahan said, helping raise up to $1,500 in a single night.
”That’s pretty large for what we do. I mean, I’ve sold candles, we’ve done car washes — we’re always looking for ways to raise money,” Kolb said.
“He’s had pretty good crowds in the Hillsdale area, Hudson area, Adrian area, and when I looked into it and viewed some of the videos he’s got, it seemed like there was quite a crowd of people and he’s got a pretty good following with this.”
Championship International’s motto is “old school with attitude,” something Kolb said will fit in perfectly with the vintage gymnasium that “looks like something straight out of the ‘50s.”
The showcase will have a pair of main events as well as other matches. Concessions and memorabilia will be sold.
Since Kolb doesn’t have a roster set for spring 2011, he’s recruited former players and girls from last year’s team to volunteer, as well as other coaches and parents.
Kolb said the school doesn’t have money to buy top-of-the-line bats that cost nearly $400.
“We need four, five, maybe six bats, and we’d also like the girls to have some warm-ups and we try to have some good equipment to play.”
He said he’s excited to bring some affordable entertainment to Jackson, adding the event could be held annually if it’s successful.
If you go...
What: Smacktown in Jacktown, hosted by Championship International Wrestling and Jackson High School Softball
Where: Jackson High School, 544 Wildwood Ave.
When: Saturday.Nov. 13 Doors open at 6 p.m., wrestling starts at 7 p.m.
Cost: $10 ringside, $8 general admission, $6 children 12 and younger, $25 for family pack of four tickets.
Details: 937-8838 or 425-0203
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