Dave Hutchings, Henryetta Head Wrestling Coach, was the featured guest speaker during the Wednesday meeting of the Henryetta Rotary Club at Shoney’s.

Rotarian of the Week, Shawn Okerson, introduced and welcomed him as guest for the regular weekly meeting.

“Since 2016, Henryetta Rotary Club has been very generous on multiple occasions,” Hutchings said.

He announced Henryetta Wrestling will host the Maverick Conference Wrestling Tournament on Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday, Jan. 28 at the new gymnasium on the Henryetta Public School campus.

He contacted the wrestling coach at Hulbert High School, who’s turn it was to host the tournament.

“After talking to the coach, they just didn’t have the room to host the tournament,” Hutchings said. “So we went into a co-op with Hulbert and we will host it. The last time Henryetta hosted was in 2001. All net tournament fees will be split and shared with Hulbert.” He anticipates between 1,000 to 1,500 fans attending the tournament which hosts around 60 junior high and high school wrestling teams.

“Our immediate needs are help with the hospitality room for coaches, administrators and recruiters,” Hutchings said. “Our theme for Jan. 27 is Mexican food and for Jan. 28 is BBQ. Any dishes, entrees, drinks, dessert or food from a restaurant will help us provide a great experience for these schools and fans coming to our tournament and may provide us with future opportunities to host another event.”

Volunteers to help with serving and setting up the hospitality room and concession are also needed.

The tournament will open on the first day around 9 a.m. and on Saturday around 10 a.m.

“Four matches will be going on at once during the tournament,” he added.

Hutchings said he currently coaches 19 boys and two girls.

Aside from the Maverick Tournament, he announced Summer Wrestling Camp went really well and he plans to continue the camp each year, with new guests to help council camp participants.

Highway to Henryetta donated around $11,000 to the wrestling program at Henryetta, he noted. “I used the donation to purchase new safety mats,” Hutchings said. “Every dime was spent for the kids.”

For more information, to make a donation or volunteer, contact Hutchings at 918-617-4869 or Graylen Fletcher at 918-773-7102.

Club members discussed making a donation to both the baseball and wrestling teams.

Rotary Sergeant of the Week was David Dykes who enacted a $1 fine to Rotarians whose Christmas trees were still up.

Next week’s Rotarian of the Week will be David Warden. He hopes to host Henryetta coach, Dutch Van Den Born to discuss the new golf facility being built near the softball complex.

Henryetta Rotary Club meets weekly on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. at Shoney’s Restaurant.