Belleville: Keep "THE FAMILY" Alive

Dear Friends and Family,

My name is Jay Isip and I am a Belleville High School Wrestling alumnus that has recently become actively involved with the Belleville Wrestling team. I wrestled during the years 1996 – 2000 and proceeded to stay active in wrestling for over 15 years. Training with an array of professional athletes, entering innumerous tournaments competing at amateur and professional levels. I had so much support in my career, and there is nothing more I would rather do then support the next. However, I cannot do it alone. . .

Luckily, the coaching staff allowed me to volunteer and for the past year (or so) I have dedicated my time, money, and efforts to give these young men an outlet, which in this case, is mat time. Belleville Wrestling's off season support has dwindled, and I can no longer turn my cheek. For decades, Belleville Wrestling was well respected and known for producing great athletes. We were proud to bleed blue and gold, but somewhere down the line that pride had diminished--and I'm guilty as charged.

Over the years I have taken my ambitions elsewhere and trained/competed with an array of athletes to better my craft. Selfishly, I kept this experience all to myself to make me a better  athlete. Little did I know it was never for me, it was for them--"The Family" but I am only one man and can't do it alone. So, for anyone that wants to help; whether it's getting on the mat, or just simply donating. Every bit helps another young wrestler.

With the help of your generous donations, we would be sending the kids to other wrestling clubs and attend tournaments to help each individual wrestler gain as much experience as possible and help them reach their maximum potential. Your sponsorship would help defer the costs of traveling expenses, tournament registrations fees, wrestling club memberships, athletic gear and equipment and, hopefully, attend higher-level USA Wrestling tournaments.

Some of us were not the “smartest” students in class nor were we known for our educational achievements, but if it were not for Belleville Wrestling, we would not be where we are today. Wrestling guided us to become better students, workers, and life outside the mat. Wrestling is not just a sport, but also a way of life that has turned us all into the men (and women) we never knew existed and has shown us how to deal with both good and bad times. Everyone does not just form a bond as teammates, but we become a family. The love shared on and off the mat is incomparable to anything we have ever been a part of. If you are an athlete or former wrestler I am sure you can agree.

We love this sport, this culture, and most importantly, we love Belleville Wrestling. We want to keep “The Family” alive and your support will make all the difference in the world.

Thank you and God Bless.