This article was originally printed in The Observer https://www.obenschools.org/Page/1755
Recognizing the growing epidemic of opioid addiction on Long Island, the varsity wrestling teams at Oyster Bay and Locust Valley high schools became the first to commit to an island-wide campaign to “Take Down Drugs.” The campaign, launched by the Friends of Long Island Wrestling in conjunction with the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, aims to keep youngsters on a healthy, drug-free path by promoting the benefits of wrestling, and by offering ways to support local wrestling programs and local drug counseling services.
The teams were recognized with certificates of participation by Mr. Jerry Seckler, President of the Friends of Long Island Wrestling, during a ceremony that took place before their Dec. 19 wrestling match at Oyster Bay High School. Informational pamphlets were also distributed to spectators to spread awareness about the campaign.
“This is one of the major problems we have in our communities, particularly on Long Island,” said Mr. Seckler. “There is nothing to insulate the kids against using drugs and we know that if we get kids young enough in wrestling, they will not be into drugs. We have a whole educational program that we are instituting and we hope to go national [with the campaign] by next year.”
In his presentation, Mr. Seckler praised the teams for being the first varsity programs to promote the campaign and for setting an example of living healthy, focused lifestyles through the sport of wrestling. He then presented the certificates to a representative from each team, amid cheers and applause.
Longtime wrestling coach Mr. Doug Axman spearheaded the teams’ participation. Currently assistant coach for Oyster Bay High School’s wrestling team, he was head varsity wrestling coach for Locust Valley from 1988-2007. In 2017, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and received the Lifetime Service Award for his dedication to the sport and for his contributions as an athlete and a coach. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Friends of Long Island Wrestling.
“We are all aware of the problems and dangers of heroin and opioid addiction, and the sport of wrestling is an excellent way to promote awareness because the sport instills the qualities of discipline, dedication and the lifestyle of doing the right things,” Mr. Axman said. “I think it’s basically just the type of athlete a wrestler is… the dedication, discipline, hard work and effort… if you keep promoting that, then you really are on the right track. That’s why it’s such a perfect match.”
Planning for the campaign began last spring and has been an immense undertaking, according to Mr. Seckler. While awareness is the first step of the campaign, coaches will have the opportunity to raise funds through donations and the purchase of “Wrestling Takes Down Drugs” merchandise which will be available on the Friends of Long Island Wrestling website at www.friendsoflongislandwrestling.com. Coaches may also choose to partner with local community-based counseling and drug prevention programs by designating funds to help these programs. The website also contains a host of information and a YouTube video about the campaign. Please visit the site for regular updates.
