All,

For the regulars, you've heard my speech multiple times already and i apologize if its getting repetitive, but again we have some new eyeballs here. VT wrestling is doing some fantastic things, and I'm not sure there's another sport showing the sustained incremental climb to the top (Womens soccer and Mens T&F have arguments).

There are two main ways to support the Wrestling program:
1. Donations through the HokieClub earmarked specifically for Wrestling. The way to earmark your donation has changed over the years, and its best to talk to someone from the funding side of the VTAF when you make your donation. Donations to the HokieClub help Kevin justify budgets and expenses to Whit. With strong hokieclub donations, Kevin can ask for higher coaching salaries, better travel stipends etc etc. This donation earns you points like it would donating to football, but you need to let the VTAF you want the money designated for Wrestling. This donation may be the biggest bang for your buck when giving to VT Athletics.

2. Kevin Dresser runs a 501.3c Non-Profit organization called the Southeast Regional Training Center:

http://www.southeastrtc.com/

A regional training center is a site affiliated with USA wrestling with the purpose of developing wrestling in the immediate local area. Our RTC supports many different functions throughout virginia including hosting middleschool and HS athletes. For Tech it provides an extra revenue stream to support Greyshirt athletes and wrestling training partners like Devin Carter. For those new to wrestling beyond the coaches, training partners have the single greatest effect on improving the level of our wrestlers. Ty walz is the most noticable result of this, his time with Jeremy Johnson helped transform him from a good wrestler to an elite wrestler.

With the support of the SOUTHEAST RTC, more senior level athletes, olympic hopefuls have been through blacksburg than ever before, prior to RIO 2016. This will continue until the games and Tech needs to be poised to take advantage. Donations to the RTC are tax deductible, for those of you still needing to do your taxes.

To be honest and transparent, donations to the RTC go to improve Southwest virginia wrestling, and may not entirely be used on current VT wrestlers. The organization has a ridiculously low overhead cost and stretches all donations very far. The Southeast RTC is directly responsible for the addition of Mike Zadick and i think his effect on some wrestlers this season is blatantly obvious.

I just made my donation for 2016 this morning, usually do it the week after NCAAs to give Kevin momentum going into the offseason.

http://www.southeastrtc.com/#!donate/c1qo

Their lowest level, $50, works out to a dollar a week, and was set to have a basic price point to allow those who are financially constrained still donate. If you are comfortable giving an amount between the levels listed i encourage you to email kevin at [email protected]. In the past he has responded to every email, but i have no idea how crazy his inbox is. He has given me information on how to mail checks if i want to give a specific amount not listed on the donation site.

If you are unable to give this year, all i ask is that you consider attending a match next year if at all possible. Perhaps a late season football game, or a DC roadtrip we usually take (american or george mason), or Virginia Duals for the tidewater folks. Support in the stands is just as valuable to this program right now as dollars. 5,000 people for a single dual in Blacksburg this season was a special special goal Dresser had when he got to tech and it took him 10 years to achieve.

-JerseyHokie29
[Post edited by Jerseyhokie29 at 03/21/2016 12:31PM]