Central Clarion Wildcats Wrestling Room Mats Have Arrived And Are Installed

Photos courtesy of Central Clarion Wildcats Wrestling – Above: The impressive re-furbished Wildcat practice room.

The newly named Central Clarion Wildcats Wrestling team, which includes the same teams as the former Clarion Area Bobcats (Clarion Area, North Clarion, Clarion-Limestone and Keystone), took a major step forward on yesterday (Tuesday, December 5th), with the fantastic looking wrestling room mats arriving, being installed and put to use, all on the very same day.

The mats, which replace the Orange, Black and White Bobcat mats, with the Central Clarion Blue, Orange and White colors, are a sight to behold.

The mats from Dollumar, which is based out of Texas, arrived in the early morning, and were moved to the wrestling room by Clarion Area maintenance forklift.

The floor was stripped of the old mats earlier. And hearkening back to the heritage of this program, the Clarion Area Orange, Black and White Honor Wall remains. As time passes, a number Central Clarion Wrestler and Team Honors in Blue, Orange and White, will surely be prominent displayed also.

Installation of the new Wildcats mats was a herculean joint effort by Clarion Area staff and the wrestlers.

Wildcats Head Coach Braun Gourley mentioned, “The mats were down and ready to practice by 3:45, our normal practice time.”

Coach Gourley mentioned, “The Clarion Area School District funded the purchase of the new practice mats.  We want to thank Dr. Carrico for that.”

Dr. Carrico shared his excitement for all the great things that are happening, “We are excited for the direction and future of the wrestling program.  The kids are really working hard and the coaching staff have been training them to be champions. 

“The renovated space will provide our student athletes a quality space that promotes hard work!  The Central Clarion Wildcats (Clarion Area, Clarion Limestone, Keystone and North Clarion) are making some great strides and we are looking forward to continued growth.”

Proceeds raised from various fundraisers will help will help to offset the cost of the mats and various other needs of the program, such as uniforms, camps and more.

The team’s two biggest fundraisers are the Central Clarion Wildcat Junior High Tournament, scheduled for this Saturday (December 9th) and the Central Clarion Wildcat Varsity Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, January 9th.

This is really a special accomplishment that the wrestlers and staff can remember for the rest of their lives. Not being there, I can’t fathom how this was all coordinated and finished so quickly.

A job well done to all those involved in this great undertaking!!!!