06/03/2024
I’m not sure how to start this post but here we go!
Thank you to everyone that was part of Battle At The Ballpark!
Wrestling has been a huge part of my life. The wrestling community has always been one that I am proud to be a part of. To say you are a wrestler or part of a wrestling family I hold in high regard.
Battle At The Ballpark was put together to allow wrestling families time outside the loud, packed gymnasiums into a fun, relaxing atmosphere. This was also an attempt to bring our community together to support wrestling in Sturgis.
Weather has been an issue 2 years in a row. This tournament is so difficult to run. Not only are you taking a chance on rain but you are taking a chance on sun. Mats get hot in the sun. There are so many things out of the control of any human being. It is a huge risk putting on an outdoor tournament, and as for many of you, it is a huge risk signing up for one.
I have so many people I have came in contact with over the course of the last couple years that I would give the shirt off my back too. Waterford Wrestling you are a class act and amazing people, Bronson friends and family couldn’t have done it without you. And too many more to list.
Unfortunately, just like in wrestling the losses drowned out the wins. I have repeatedly been attacked and threatened over postponing a tournament due to weather that was outside my control. I put no refunds on the flyer due to the fact trackwrestling does not have a refund system. We all took a risk with this tournament. And it is a risk I will not take again.
Year 1 over 600 wrestlers registered
Year 2 over 900 wrestlers registered.
Unfortunately there will not be a year three. If anyone else decides to have an outdoor tournament please know, 6 months of planning and preparation and hard work can be meaningless within minutes.
Thank you to anyone who has ever been a part of this tournament.
Nick Fieberkorn
