TJ DeMilt had a pretty good idea as to what he was in for Saturday during the Fort Calhoun Beach Wrestling Fundraiser at The Fort Bar.
“I think I'm going to get sand everywhere,” the FCHS Pioneer said, cracking a smile.
DeMilt missed out on the first beach event last summer, but was one of 56 grapplers in kindergarten through 12th grade to sign up for and compete during the second. High school boys coach Drew Welchert noted before the event Saturday that just 30 took part in 2023.
In addition to the concession options and admission costs, each wrestler paid an entry fee Saturday to compete. Altogether, all proceeds from the effort are to benefit Fort Calhoun boys and girls wrestling programs.
“I think its perfect,” said FCHS grappler Anna Rae Hartline when asked what she thinks of the summer fundraising concept. “Look how many people are here right now.”
Spectators and wrestlers packed into what is usually the sand volleyball court area behind The Fort Bar. Wiggle room was limited.
“It brings families that are not usually wrestling families in,” DeMilt added. “It's just more fun.”
Both wrestlers, ultimately, were in approval.
“It just works so well, especially in a small community where everyone wants to support each other,” Hartline said.
Wrestling in sand, though, does come with its difficulties. Gone are the mats and wrestling shoes.
It's just bare feet, sand and the opposition.
“Hopefully I'm not slipping too much doing anything,” DeMilt said.
In any event, though, the Beach Wrestling Fundraiser was another opportunity for community members — and those from outside of Fort Calhoun including Arlington, Blair and Omaha — to support one another. Its not uncommon to see, Hartline said.
“You can walk in the streets in Fort Calhoun and there will be someone you haven't seen in 10 years and they'll say, 'I saw you wrestling at the tournament and you did amazing,'” she said. “Everyone supports everyone here.”
