News : VSH wrestling team raises $8,135 in first labor auction

Freshman Blaik Cooper was the first VS wrestler on the auction block Tuesday evening.

Coach Steve Johnson speaks to the crowd as the first VS wrestling team labor auction begins.

Duane Randall explains the auction process.

Logan Merchant takes his turn on the auction block as Duane Johnson calls for bids.

Auctioneer Duane Johnson accepts bids for Sam Huss during VSHS wrestling labor auction.

One by one, they stood on the platform, and shared their goals for the upcoming season.

Then they waited to see how much money their efforts could raise for the Vinton-Shellsburg wrestling program.

The VS wrestling team and coach Steve Johnson held their first labor auction Tuesday evening in the VSHS gym. Auctioneer Duane Johnson called the auction.

Coach Johnson had instructed the wrestlers to share with the audience their goals for the season as they stood at the auction block. Auctioneer Johnson joked with the wrestlers and told stories about the ones he knew.

One wrestler's goal is to recover from a knee injury so he can compete next year. Others have goals of making the varsity team, earning a winning record, or going to State.

The event raised $8,135, which will help pay for summer wrestling camps and other equipment for the VS wrestling program. A total of 28 wrestlers (as well as their coach) participated in the auction.