Help Mikey wrestle w/ OH All-Stars

Hi, my name is Mikey Longo and this year I have been fortunate to have been selected as a member of the Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team.  This is a once in a life time opportunity for me.  I feel this trip and the learning experience will not only help in my future wrestling career, but also in my daily life. 

I am writing this and starting this page so that I can ask for help in raising the money for my trip. My trip is very expensive and I know with the help of all of my family and my parents friends you all can help in making this trip possible for me!! Every little bit helps me to reach my goal of $5,600.00. Thank you to everyone who is willing to help me out.  I am looking forward to facing the best wrestlers in the country and will work hard to represent Connecticut’s youth to the best of my ability.


Sincerely,  
Mikey

 


Now in its 36th year, the Ohio All-Stars are one of the most respected youth wrestling teams in the country. This years team will consist of 22 of the top 6th-10th grade wrestlers from Ohio and the eastern United States. Team members were selected on a basis of academic,athletic, and civic achievements.

This team will embark this summer on a 50-day cultural exchange tour of the United States, Canada and Mexico. Now in its 36th year, the Ohio All-Stars are one of the most respected youth wrestling teams in the country.  This year’s team consists of 22 of the top 6th-10th grade wrestlers from Ohio and the Eastern United States.   I will be the 2nd Connecticut wrestler to be chosen for the team.

The journey begins with team training camp in Springboro, Ohio from Saturday June 16th through Wednesday, June 20th.  The rest of the trip will take wrestlers to Salt Lake City, Utah; Boise, ID; Salem, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, Canada; Eugene, Oregon; Talent, Oregon; Reno, Nevada; Fresno, California; Simi Valley, California; Los Angeles, California; Mission Viejo, California; Tijuana, Mexico; San Diego, California; Las Vegas; Nevada; Grand Junction, Colorado; Denver, Colorado; Salt Lake City; Utah, before returning to Ohio on Wednesday, August 8th.  

This year, the tour will begin with a week long training camp.  There, top clinicians will work with the team to get them ready for their trip.  Following camp, the team will depart out west to compete in dual meets against teams from New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Oregon and California.  

This trip is designed for several purposes.  First, it will provide a good opportunity for wrestlers involved to further their wrestling skills, especially in Olympic, or freestyle wrestling.  Second, it will serve as good cultural learning experience for all those involved. Not only will the team train hard for the scheduled matches, they will also have the opportunity to view many sites of this great country of ours that they may never have the chance to view again.  This tour will also serve as a good maturation process for all the young men, as they will be on their own for six weeks.

In addition, Mikey has the opportunity to represent the state of Connecticut, and promote not only the sport of wrestling, but America’s youth as well.  He will also be representing Wilton. Since 1983, more than 600 young wrestlers have been a member of the Ohio All-Star Wrestling Team and had the opportunity to travel the country, while competing in their favorite sport.  Past alumni have gone on to win NCAA Championships, at all levels, more that 200 State High School titles and a multitude of National USA wrestling events.

Besides the competition and training, the team will also have the opportunity to visit such sites as: Pikes Peak, Hoover Dam, Pacific Ocean, Mormon Temple Square, Lake Tahoe, United States Air Force Academy and the U.S. Olympic Training Center.  

Mikey has been wrestling since he was 7 years old.  Last weekend, Mikey won is 4th New England title at 88 lbs and was selected as Middle School’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.  He also became a Connecticut State Champion for the 4th time. Mikey trains at Beast Training Wrestling Academy in Danbury, CT.  He participates in National wrestling tournaments year round, with his club as well as other elite wrestling clubs. At the end of March, Mikey will be wrestling in War at the Shore National Tournament in Wildwood, New Jersey.  

“Mikey has wrestled with me at Beast Training Wrestling Academy since 3rd grade and is the most accomplished wrestler I’ve ever had,” said Coach Fred Mills.  “The opportunity to wrestle with the Ohio All-Stars and travel all around the country is unbelievable and will only make him a better wrestler and help him mature.”  

James Longo, Mikey’s father is excited and proud of Mikey’s accomplishments and believes this summer’s experience will result in improvements in both Mikey’s wrestling skills and in his ability to face top notch competition in pressure situations.  He also feels that this experience will help mold him into a more mature and confident individual. “It will be hard to have him away for 7 weeks, but this is such an amazing opportunity for him to develop important life skills that can ultimately impact his future success.”  

In order to make this trip a reality for Mikey, he must raise at least $5,600 by May 1st.  This is to cover training, travel, lodging, meals, equipment,  competition expenses as well as excursions.  Please help us support Mikey with this incredible opportunity. Any size donation would be greatly appreciated.   As an affiliated 501 (c)3 member organization of the Amatuer Athletic Union (AAU), all contributions are tax deductible.  

As Mikey's #1 fan, and soon to be Step-mom, I have stepped up to help make this trip happen.  I will send donations to Ohio All-star Wrestling.  I have also helped Mikey create a Facebook page where supporters can follow him on this incredible journey as well as throughout the year. 

Thank you so much for generosity!