IN Peters Township December 2016/January 2017 | Page 82

THE PERFECT MATCH BY NICOLE TAFE PHOTOGRAPHS BY TRI-COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY The Peters Township Wrestling Teams and the Big Red Wrestling Boosters will host the Fifth Annual Match for a Marine this February to help support veterans both locally and nationwide. A s Peters Township’s wrestling season begins, members of the Varsity and Junior High wrestling teams and the Big Red Wrestling Boosters are gearing up for their favorite match of the season— Match for a Marine. Match for a Marine was started in 2012 by booster parent, Mike Buckiso, as a way to raise funds to help local veteran and former Marine Corps Sergeant Doug Vitale. Vitale is married to PTHS graduate Alexis Abraham, and was also a wrestler at Kiski High School. In 2011, Vitale suffered severe injuries as a result of an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan, including the loss of his legs and the ability to speak when blood loss led to a series of strokes. After more than two years at military hospitals in Bethesda, MD, and Tampa, FL, Vitale returned home and he and his wife moved in with Vitale’s parents in Finleyville. In 2014, the Vitales were selected by the Tunnels to Towers Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation to receive a smart home. “Many fundraisers were planned to help make this house a reality,” says Big Red Wrestling Booster President Beth Mary. “Match for a Marine was PT wrestling’s way to contribute.” With an initial goal of 500 fans, the group reached out to local communities, asked them to attend a high school wrestling match and pay a $5 admission fee that would be donated to the cause. The Peters Township Dance Team and the Abraham family also joined the cause in strong support, and have continued to be instrumental to the success of the Match for a Marine events. Exceeding all expectations and goals, the proceeds and donations from the first Match for a Marine totaled an astounding $20,000. To date, $55,000 has been raised for the Vitales. This wrestling season will mark the fifth year of Match for a Marine, and all are hoping it is going to be the biggest event yet. “Our group The realizes and truly appreciates the freedoms we have and cannot Peters take for granted,” says Mary. “It’s important to the Big Township Red Wrestling Boosters that the young men on the Varsity and Junior High wrestling teams learn first-hand about heroes like Wrestling Teams and the Big Red Doug, who defend us, sacrifice for us and stand up for us all around the world so that we can enjoy our Wrestling Boosters were recently lives and freedoms.” acknowledged by the Peters Township In years past, PTHS has worked with Upper St. Character Counts Committee for their Clair and Bethel Park wrestling teams to gain support dedication to helping veterans here at for the event, and have established great relationships home and nationwide. They received with the rival teams and fans who have shown an award on Nov. 1 for their Match extraordinary sportsmanship and support. for a Marine efforts. 80 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Peters Township PT Varsity and Junior High wrestling teams with Doug Vitale.