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Gobbler Grappler to debut Thanksgiving weekend

Largest youth wrestling tournament in Northeast Florida set for Clay County Fairgrounds


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 21, 2020

Contact: Joel Lamp (904) 304-2067


GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Youth wrestlers from across the Southeast are set to descend on the Clay County Fairgrounds for the inaugural Gobbler Grappler hosted by the Green Cove Springs Wrestling Club.

“With everything that has happened this year, we welcome everyone in the wrestling community to join us for a great tournament before the start of the high school season,” said Jim Reape, head coach at Clay High and member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. “All of the kids have been working hard and now they have a chance to showcase what they can do against other clubs from around the Southeast.”

The two-day event set for Nov. 28-29 features team dual competition and an individual competition as well.

“We are excited about the opportunity to host this unique event and showcase an awesome venue to a lot of folks who will be visiting Northeast Florida for the first time,” said Mike Haines, Green Cove Wrestling Club president and youth head coach.

Youth wrestling continues to grow across the country, with the 140 high schools adding the sport in 2018 and Florida ranks sixth in the country in number of girl wrestlers.

“Wrestling is a strong sport in Clay County and we’re proud how this collaboration has come together to create an event like this at the Fairgrounds,” said Mike Cella, chair of the Tourist Development Council and member of the Board of County Commissioners. “This is a new way to use the facility for tourism and creating an economic impact in our community.”

For more information on the event, visit the event website.

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