Wes Walker’s Victory Match

By Wes Walker

I am still fighting cancer and have a ways to go, so remission isn’t the big announcement…yet. On October 5th, however, I am being inducted into the Missouri Valley College Wrestling Hall of Fame.  It is such a privilege and honor to join the inductees who inspired me to make my own mark on the mat. However, that is not what I am most excited to tell you about.

Following our induction ceremony will be a wrestling dual in which some of the younger alumni take on one of the Missouri Valley wrestlers from this year’s team. While I’m no longer one of the “young” alumni at age 40, I’ve decided to throw my hat into the ring and get one more match under my belt in the hopes that it might save some lives with your help.

There is a pillar of hope here in Kansas City – Welcome House – an organization that truly changes lives for the better, supporting men in their recovery from drugs and/or alcohol. It’s an organization close to my heart.

I am dedicating my last wrestling match to Welcome House and their mission to help men in recovery lead healthy, productive lives. So on October 5th, I’ll be wrestling 3 live periods with some lucky college kid who gets the old guy with cancer for his opponent.  I haven’t told anyone about this yet, so I’m sure my mom will be calling me shortly to tell me that she won’t let me do it, but I have the reluctant blessing from my Doctor do go for it…….you only live once!

I’ll be taking to the mat in honor of the men of Welcome House – and anyone who is battling adversity, and I will be personally matching the first $5,000 in donations!

I hope you will join me in supporting the worthwhile mission of Welcome House.  I’m grateful to you!