The Middletown High School Wrestling Team at Jackson Demonstration State Forest between Willits and Fort Bragg. Courtesy photo.

MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown Mustang Invitational Wrestling Tournament takes place on Jan. 9 and 10 at Middletown High School.

Something is different for the local wrestlers this year. The Mustang grapplers have more at stake than medals. They are taking to the mat for our troops!

The team wrestlers decided to do a “take-down-a-thon” and collect pledges for every take down they score during their matches, with proceeds going to Operation Tango Mike. Monies will be used to pay shipping costs to send care packages to deployed troops.

Coach Troy Brierly is very pleased with the team’s enthusiasm about both their wrestling and willingness to do for others.

“The kids are really excited about this,” he said. “They’re into it. I am really happy that they are so enthused about it.”

Brierly does more than coach wrestlers. He mentors to the teens, hoping they will understand there is more to high school than dating, cars and the social life.

Each year, his Mustang team chooses a project and this year they chose to support Operation Tango Mike and the mission to send support and care packages to the troops.

An interesting fact is that former Mustang wrestler Austin Heinisch has been deployed and received care packages from Lake County’s Operation Tango Mike, as have other Middletown High School graduates.

Anyone wishing to assist these generous kids in their effort to support the troops may do so. There is a link on the Middletown High School wrestling Web page at www.middletownwrestling.net.

You may also contact Coach Troy Brierly at 322-4092 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Wrestling action begins both days at 9 a.m. and concludes at approximately 5 p.m. Stop by Middletown High School, 20932 Big Canyon Road, and check it out.

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