Sussex County, Delaware – This once-a-year wrestling tournament was held at the Indian River High School located in Dagsboro, Delaware. Families from Delaware and several surrounding states came for this awesome opportunity to compete. The Delaware State Police Honor Guard commanded by Captain Jason Sapp presented the colors to begin the event. The National Anthem was performed by Adria Windish, daughter of Lieutenant Gerald & Lynn Windish.
On Saturday, December 29, 2018, the Delaware State Police hosted this prestigious event; the 7th Annual Camp Barnes Wrestling Classic. Some experienced wrestlers were on hand and some for the first time. Just like the kids, many parents embraced the opportunity to have some fun and welcomed the chance for their children to work on and share wrestling skills.
There were 302 determined wrestling participants from the Mid-Atlantic Region which included the following five states; Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The wrestlers who participated in this event and fiercely competed ranged from the age of four to 14 years old.
Master Corporal John Messick, event coordinator, said, “I feel really passionate about this event and how it helps the kids of Delaware build life skills to be good citizens. This initiative also helps children throughout Delaware, who may not have a chance to attend a camp, to be selected for Camp Barnes. I see this as a win-win for youth and parents in many states but especially for the First State. This is absolutely a great community outreach program for the Delaware State Police. This essentially provides a platform for kids to participate in the sport of wrestling and helps establish lifelong friendships during the winter break.”
Benjamin Chorlton, 8 year old wrestler said, “I like the tournament because my dad is a Trooper and it’s an amazing fundraiser for Camp Barnes. It feels good to help others and raise money for other kids that can go to camp. I like the tough competition from other surrounding states.”
Master Corporal Dave Chorlton and parent of wrestler said, “I would like to thank all of the committee members, volunteers and parents especially Captain Rodney Layfield and Master Corporal John Messick for putting together a top notch wrestling tournament. This well organized event allows wrestlers to compete with children from other states versus wrestling those just in the same state. All of the wrestlers develop both wrestling and life skills which goes well beyond the tournament. Congratulations to all of the wrestlers for a job well done!”
Jack Callaway, 7 year old wrestler said, “I like wrestling at the Camp Barnes Tournament because there is great competition, I’m wrestling for a good cause and representing my DSP family.”
The Committee Members who have worked diligently since launching the wrestling tournament are:
Captain Rodney Layfield
Lieutenant Gerald Windish
Master Corporal John Messick
Master Corporal Shawn Hatfield
Master Corporal Jeff Hudson
Master Corporal Rex Mears
Master Corporal Fred Chambers
Senior Corporal Anthony Andrews
Laurel Police Chief Dan Wright (DSP Retired)
There are also a host of generous volunteers, sponsors and parents that help with this event and without their assistance, the success of this event wouldn’t be possible. The sponsors who helped make this event happen are the Delaware State Troopers Association, Harvard Business Services, Inc. and JD Shuckers Restaurant. The Delaware State Police thanks everyone who helped make this outreach event and wrestling tournament a tremendous success!
Excited to announce plans are currently underway for the 8th Annual Camp Barnes Wrestling Tournament which will most likely be held during the Holiday Break in December 2019. Information and registration for that event will be released in October 2019. Please follow us for up to date information on the Delaware State Police Newsroom or the Delaware State Police Official Facebook Page
The proceeds from this event go toward helping Camp Barnes, a nonprofit organization operated by the Delaware State Police, which is located near Bethany Beach, Delaware. During the summer months, Camp Barnes hosts approximately 360 children from up and down the First State. This topnotch camp is offered to those between the ages of 10-13 and is a free week-long adventurous retreat. Southern Delaware’s overnight summer camp features traditional camp activities and opportunities for attendees to enjoy recreational and camp-type activities including swimming, kayaking, archery, crafts, fishing, crabbing, canoeing and playing team sports. They demonstrate their skills at a weekly talent show and hang out with representatives from the Delaware State Police, the State Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Delaware Attorney General’s Office and the Girl Scouts of America.
Find out more and click on: Delaware State Police Camp Barnes
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Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz
Released: 010319 1950
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