Thanks for the help with AASC

Editor, I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to some very special people who helped make our first Mcdermont X All-american Student Classic Invitational a very successful event for the middle grade students from eight schools in Tulare County.

The Classic — held on May 26 at Mcdermont X in Lindsay — featured 60 student athletes competing in six activities: three academic (math, science, reading) and three athletic contests (50 yard dash, rock climbing wall, obstacle course).

Our leadership team would like to commend the following for their support:

First, The Porterville Recorder for the outstanding article by Matthew Sarr and photos by Chieko Hara. The coverage of the invitational was excellent.

Second, the 28 businesses organizations and individuals for their generous sponsorships. They are: AAA Medals, Craig Wheaton for Superintendent, El Tapatio Restaurant, Fernandez Insurance, Gubler for Assembly, Gurrola for Supervisor, Hergesheimer’s Donut Factory, Hoops Preschool, Imperial Ambulance, ITC, Jeff’s Music, J.T. Ag Service, Realtor Maggie Sanchez, 2014 AASC champion Matthew Cunanan, Merle Stone Chevrolet, Port Naz Christian Academy, Porterville Pregnancy Resource Center, Rocky Hill Antiques, R.M. Parks Inc., Smith Promotions, Spoons Frozen Yogurt, Stafford’s Chocolates, Strathmore 2017 State Football Champions, The Anvil BBQ, The Copy Center, Tom Wright State Farm, Town & Country Market, and Townsend for Supervisor 2018.

Third, the 30 volunteers who gave up their Saturday on Memorial Day weekend to assist in a vast array of activities. Their incredible services helped immensely and were instrumental in making the invitational a huge success. Volunteers from the Porterville/ Lindsay area included Rick and Valerie Craig, Dr. Larianne Torrez, Brandon, Luisa, Shane and Andrew Moody, Anastacio Ruiz, Sharon Taira, Emily and Jacob Ashcraft, and Ben Watson. Our teacher volunteers who came to help were Lori Wilbanks from Woodville Elementary and Noah Moore from Alpine Vista. We also were helped by several young sisters and elders from the local area LDS Church.

Fourth, we are so grateful to have had Marion Reneau, a Monache High School graduate and teacher at Farmersville High School, to present the 108 medal to the student athletes at the closing awards ceremony. Reneau is currently ranked seventh in the world in women’s mixed martial arts.

Finally, our leadership team members who did a remarkable job planning, organizing and presenting a first-class event for 60 very special middle grade student athletes in our county. Team members were Clint Ashcraft and Alfredo Velasco of Mcdermont X, AASC President Bob Pugh, AASC Vice-president Cindy Camarena, and AASC Manager Laurie Pugh.

Richard Schlagel, CEO of AASC Porterville