MINNEAPOLIS/HASTINGS, Minn., FEB 5, 2019 – In March of 2018, the inaugural J Robinson Wrestling Classic, hosted by Saint Thomas Academy, attracted nearly 500 youth wrestlers and more than 1,000 parents, coaches, and fans from across the Midwest. All athlete registrations, gate receipts as well as the STA student and teacher led “out of uniform” day fundraising effort generated more than $12,000 in proceeds, all of which was donated to Hastings, Minnesota-based United Heroes League, a charity that makes it financially possible for children in military families to stay healthy and active in sports through free equipment, camps, grants, and tickets.
United Heroes League recently announced wrestling icon J Robinson will serve as their first Wrestling Ambassador. Ambassadors of UHL donate their time and talents to support the mission of United Heroes League. Robinson has pledged a camp scholarship for his legendary wrestling camps to assist wrestlers of active military parents to attend his wrestling camp.
For Robinson, a Vietnam veteran and Army Ranger, the opportunity to be around so many young wrestlers for a good cause was an incredible experience. “One of the best things is to be around young wrestlers because their enthusiasm and emotions are so genuine. To have 500 kids compete the first year of the tournament was outstanding,” said Robinson. “And anytime you can help raise money that will impact veterans’ lives is a small way of saying thank you for what they sacrifice for us.”
For United Heroes League founder Shane Hudella, a retired Army First Sergeant, the connection is a natural fit. “We are so excited to have J Robinson as our first wrestling ambassador. I grew up wrestling, and followed J’s career closely. We are proud of our mission that supports all military children remaining healthy and active through the sports they love, and now we have a wrestling icon to help motivate them.” Hudella added, “The support of wrestling camp slots and financial support will go a long way to helping military families!”
Click here to view the full photo album from the inaugural J Robinson Wrestling Classic.
About JROB Intensive Wrestling Camps
For over 40 years, JROB Intensive Wrestling Camps has trained more than 45,000 wrestlers with a training philosophy that focuses on developing technical skill, physical preparation, building mental toughness, and life skills. Founded in 1978 by legendary wrestling coach J Robinson, JROB now operates 12 summer wrestling camps in locations across the country. For more information, please call 612.349.6585 or visit jrobinsoncamps.com.
About United Heroes League
United Heroes League is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit based in Hastings, Minn. The charity assists families of all branches of the military by providing free sports equipment, free camps, financial grants to pay for registration fees, and pro sports tickets so the entire family can enjoy a night out at the game. For more information, visit unitedheroesleague.org.
About Saint Thomas Academy
Founded in 1885, Saint Thomas Academy is an all-male, college preparatory, Catholic, military leadership school committed to preparing young men to succeed in college and in life. The Academy challenges its students in grades 6-12 to excel academically, spiritually, morally and physically in and out of the classroom. It is fully accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS); a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Minnesota Association of Independent Schools (MAIS), and the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS). For more information, please visit www.cadets.com.