ACW brings the pain to Wildcat Nation for excitement, fundraising

Distinguished Alum Dylan Postl, AKA Hornswoggle, made a triumphant return to West to host yet another benefit for the school on March 11. Postl formed ACW Wisconsin, or All-Star Championship Wrestling Wisconsin, back in 2013. 

 “We wanted to bring wrestling to Oshkosh which we knew was a city that loved professional wrestling. And now, eight years later, we are having so much fun each and every show,” he said.

The last time Postl hosted a benefit for West was in 2017. Raising over $5000 in the past, he hoped to raise even more as home is very extremely important. He flaunts his Wildcat pride, wearing it like a badge wherever he goes. 

“Every interview I do, I mention this city. I’m so proud to be from here, to raise my son here, to run a wrestling company here. I never want to leave and never will. This is home; little ol’ Oshkosh is my home and I am extremely proud of that,” he said. 

By giving out occasional free tickets, more students were inclined to buy them. More than 100 tickets were sold at the school bank, which is more than the last time the benefit was hosted at West. With all the proceeds going to the school, senior Sam Forbes is hopeful for what can come about from the funds. 

“I feel like it’s a good idea because the school would benefit the most,” he said. “Bringing funds to the school would definitely help.” 

With the construction on the new office grinding to a halt, a fundraiser might be just what West needs. A boost in funds could help move the construction closer to coming to fruition. 

Students were thrilled to experience professional wrestling in their very own school gym. 

“I’ve been a big fan of ACW for probably the last 10 years, and I’ve gone to these school benefits before,” Forbes said. “I really want to go to this one for the school.”

Some students, like Forbes, have been following ACW for years whereas others are only hearing about it through this event, like sophomore Michael Mueller.

“I was a little skeptical; the first time I heard of it was the school announcements. I've never been a fan of professional wrestling,” he said. “Being an actual wrestler myself, I haven’t watched much WWE or any sort of pro wrestling, so when I heard there was a pro league located in Wisconsin I thought it was cool. I like local things and wrestling.” 

Postl finds joy in returning to the school that gave him so much. 

“To perform at my high school in the gym I watched basketball games in is amazing,” hge said.

Giving back to the community is one of Postl’s greatest achievements as supporting the community that raised him gives him great delight. 

“To be able to give the opportunity for other members of the ACW Wisconsin roster that have graduated from West that same opportunity makes us feel real good as a group,” he said. “Aside from that, to be able to raise money for the school that means so much to us is the icing on the cake.”

Multiple returning wrestlers and staff on the ACW team went to West in the past, giving them an emotional tie to participate in the event. Returning to their old school to provide support gives them another chance to give back. 

Postl also was excited to see the crowd from West. 

“Seeing the reaction on not only the student’s faces but the teachers,” he said. “Some that taught me when I was in school!  I wish we could have gotten some of them in the ring themselves at the show.” 

With plenty of high-flying moves that could rattle the brains of an untrained individual, the wrestlers of ACW provide a highly entertaining show for the not-so-faint-of-heart. From hardcore wrestling fans, to those who have never once seen a show, it provided drama, suspense, and violence. 

With the stands packed, the ACW put on a show to remember. Over an excited hum from the crowd, the announcer began the show. The first four match-ups riled up the fans as ‘bad’ guys and ‘good’ guys were apparent to the audience, giving them a common enemy to keep them engaged. 

Many alumni returned to put on a show in their old gymnasium for the new students who walk the very same halls they once did. The most recent graduate was Adam Grace, one of the main event wrestlers and a 2015 graduate. There was also one former Spartan from North, who received a plethora of boos when he claimed his alumni allegiance. He faced off against the only female wrestler performing, who won the crowd over quickly. 

Engaging crowd work was one of ACW’s strong points, with Hornswoggle pretending to snatch a baby and bring them into the ring. Other wrestlers went into the stands to interact with fans, whether that be to give them hi-fives or to poke fun at them.  The main event was a brawl with Hornswoggle, Adam Grace, and Grit facing off against the “Thuggies” who made a previous appearance in the beginning of the show. 

The main event was the cherry on top, with an intense three-on-three match that left the crowd on the edges of their seats. Off the ring jumps and tag team strategies sealed the deal for Swoggle, Grace, and Grit, giving them the victory which left the crowd erupting into cheers and roars. As the “Thuggies” writhed in pain on the ground after being thrown out of the ring, the victorious trio celebrated their win with the crowd in the ring. 

Students thoroughly enjoyed their experience, many leaving with hoarse voices and sore throats. Senior Jake Staerkel was among them.

“I thought it was pretty groovy. That was pretty awesome,” he said. “I thought it was hilarious when they came out and they jumped Hornswoggle and the man just went flying every time they would aggressively hit him. It was like ‘is he going to get up?’” 

From students to teachers, all had an experience unlike any other. Watching a throwdown match where basketball games and homecoming dances are held is a whole new experience for many at West, but a welcomed one as well. Assistant Principal Aaron Herm found the night highly interesting. 

“I can say with confidence this is unlike any other event I have ever been to at school,” he said. 

Those who had never experienced an ACW event before were left in awe of what they saw and hungering for more action.

“I would go again simply because of the entertainment value. I totally got into the whole acting thing and had a great time.” Mueller said. “It was so much fun with the small story lines we saw unfold in the two hours we were there, and I want to see more of that. Overall super fun, super electric, and an amazing time.”

By Maggie Phillips

March 18 2022

Volume 118 Issue VI