This Friday marks the 35th anniversary of the annual Alumni Wrestling Scrimmage, a tradition that was started back during the 1980-1981 fall term at City College.
This year, Coach David Pacheco and the wrestling team have decided to take it “back to the roots” of the annual scrimmage and run the event just as they did 35 years ago.
Matches will be three rounds at 1 1/2 minutes running time each. Half-minute break between rounds are available at the alumni’s discretion. Alumni have the choice of starting positions in the second round no matter what the score. All scoring, both matches and team, are unofficial. The clock runs continuously unless there is an injury or equipment failure.
One of the differences between the matches that were run back then, and the matches that have taken place in more recent years, is that they will be operating two wrestling mats simultaneously, rather than just the usual one.
The advancement of technology over the years has enabled Pacheco and the current wrestling team to be able to reach a greater amount of alumni, resulting in a larger amount of participation in the scrimmage, says Pacheco.
This year, Pacheco is expecting anywhere between 18-20 scheduled matches, which he says, “is actually a pretty low number, compared to the last two years.”
The event will take place this Friday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. in the North Gym at City College. Just as it was back in 1980, there will be no cost to attend the event. Donations are accepted and greatly appreciated, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the City College wrestling team.
According to Pacheco, there is no charge for parking on Fridays after 5 p.m.
