"The AJ" Riverdale Wrestling Building

My name is Kris Hayward and I have been the wrestling coach at Riverdale High School since 2003. We have successful high school and youth programs and took on the challenge of creating and upgrading to a stand alone wrestling room, solely funded by our own fund raising efforts. We have raised over $150,000 in the past 3 years and have a goal of raising an additional $15,000 by June 1st. My personal goal to help is to raise $2500 to pay for the soffit and fascia for the building.  Our goal is to have a grand opening with a wrestling camp on June 21 with NCAA All American, RHS Alumni, and current Cal Poly Coach Scotti Sentes.

We have over 80 wrestlers in our high school program and 50 in our youth program thatare currently practicing in a 1400 sq ft room. Our new room wil provide 5660 sq ft and we hope with more space that we will be able to reach more kids.

Sports were a huge part of giving me direction and with this facility being completed is a way of giving back to our community and "paying it forward".  Keepig kids off the couch and off the street to make them a more productive person in our community.

"The AJ" name comes from my mom who passed away from cancer in 2009.  She was a huge part of wrestling wherever she went either volunteering, pairing, stats, officiating, scholarships, and her cookies were the best!  Anna Jane Hayward is missed, but I know she will be proud of this accomplishment and the benefit it will give to the kids will be in her honor.

Every dollar helps-no amount too small, and if you can't contribute...please share.