'Contenders for Courage Fight Night' in Wheeling

Wheeling High School's Boxing and DECA Clubs are proud to host the fourth annual “Contenders for Courage Fight Night” 7 p.m. today in the Wheeling High School gymnasium, 900 S. Elmhurst Road, Wheeling.

Wheeling students, matched by weight, gender and skill, will engage in three-round exhibition boxing bouts, with each round lasting one minute. Proceeds from the night will be contributed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois and Countryside Association for People with Disabilities.

This event seeks to link strong bodies: the “Contenders” in the ring, with strong wills: the “Courage” of those fighting life-threatening medical conditions and disabilities. Last year's event, featuring 30 fighters in eight male bouts and seven female bouts, raised $1,500 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and $1,000 for the Countryside Association.

A representative for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois, will be on hand to help present bout awards and accept a check on behalf of the Wildcat Boxing Club.

Rick Wrona, Countryside Association board of directors, and Rob Wrona, former Wheeling High School student and current Countryside client, along with Judy Bott, Friends of Countryside board member, and Jean Bott, current Countryside client, will be on hand to help present bout awards and accept a check on behalf of the Wildcat Boxing Club.

Over 40 students have trained up to six days a week from late August through Fight Night to prepare for this event. The boxing ring will be assembled center-court in the Wheeling High School gym, with seating available both on the floor and in the bleachers. Tickets are $5, and available at the door.