Wrestlers Pin Suicide in Annual Tournament

South Zanesville, OH- Some off-season wrestling tournaments can be great for sharpening your skills.

But to some, wrestling brings more than just competition. It brings communities together to support one another when needed. The 9th Gable Connors Memorial tournament made it clear that the wrestling community has each others back.

The tournament is in honor of former wrestler Gable Connors who committed suicide at a young age.

“It was started here by our former head coach Sean Connors in memory of his son,” explained Tournament Director Erik Winland. “We’ve kind of continued that legacy. So it’s important to all of us. It’s what we, you know, believe in our program. It’s it’s okay to not be okay. So we have to tear down that stigma and help build upon that.”

The event had a variety of ages from 5 to 20 all competing with their own age and most same gender. The winners of this tournament got to stand on top of the podium and receive there own Pin Suicide singlet.

All the money being raised went to scholarships for three students, who received $500. What was most noticeable from the event is that kids got to compete in doing what they love, while being supported by everyone around them.

“I get excited every time we have this tournament,” said Scholarship Winner Logan Wilhite. “During season, it’s more serious. You’re focused. It’s time to come out, have fun with your friends, hang out. And I think it’s also really important to spread awareness and stuff about suicide, too.”

Congratulations to those kids who competed this past Saturday and always remember it’s okay to not be okay.