Wrestling programs from six school communities competed at Andrews Field at NorthWood Friday evening in a unique showcase for the sport. InkFreeNews photos by Mike Deak

By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews

NAPPANEE – It wasn’t your typical Friday Night Lights activities at Andrews Field.

The NorthWood wrestling program invited five programs to join them for a unique opportunity to wrestle outdoors at the famed football field. Led by NorthWood head coach Nate Andrews and his coaching staff, the Panthers hosted Triton, Bremen, Prairie Heights, Peru and Huntington North.

The stages were not just for varsity level high schoolers, but wrestlers all the way down to kindergarten levels were taking the mat in competition officiated by Hall of Famers like Henry Wilk. The teams rotated in a round robin format that was scored, but wasn’t recorded as anything more than exhibitions to not only gain exposure for the sport, but also for the programs to compete in a fun environment.