On Sunday, April 28, the Lehigh Township Athletic Association (LTAA) wrestling banquet took place in Danielsville.

The banquet was sponsored by the Talon Wrestling Club and was free of charge to all in attendance.

"This was the most successful year in my eight years of coaching here," said Joe Tocci, head coach and wrestling coordinator for LTAA. "We have a wonderful parents and a dedicated group of kids who have worked very hard to become the best wrestlers possible."

The awards banquet has become a popular event for both the kids and their parents. Tocci recalled that the first year there were only three or four tables of people, but this year's banquet had over 200 people in attendance. After two hours of open bowling, the kids then enjoyed a catered buffet meal followed by the awards presentation.

The evening started off with a 20 minute tribute video for two graduating wrestlers, Mike Kistler and Jordyn Mohr, highlighting their career. Both kids then gave heartfelt speeches thanking their coaches, teammates, and parents.

"It was very emotional video personally for me to make," said Tocci, "since both Jordyn and Michael have been with me since I officially took over the team seven years ago."

Another video was presented to Evan Druckenmiller, who will be missed as his family is relocating to Utah.

After dinner, guest speaker Zach Rey, Lehigh's 2012 NCAA heavyweight champ addressed the crowd. Rey spoke on behalf of the wrestlers from LTAA and the Talon Wrestling Club with which he has become a main instructor. His emphasis focused on how fortunate the kids are to have some of the most qualified coaching instruction available to them.

Rey thanked the parents and coach Tocci for the opportunity to coach their children and as he recently became a new father. Rey added he has taken the lessons and experience learned and applied them to his own parenting. After Rey's inspiring speech, awards were presented to the wrestlers at all three levels – novice, JV, and varsity.

The evening ended on a more somber note with a video to honor the memory of Lehigh Township's own Michael Kulp, who tragically passed this year in an ATV accident. Michael's mother gave a brief speech expressing her gratitude to Lehigh Township for all they have done and then presented the newly created Spirit Award in Michael's honor to C.J. Fritz.

In closing remarks, Tocci reminder the crowd that there is more to life than just wrestling and wins and losses, and it is important to keep things in perspective. He reminded each parent to never miss the opportunity to hug your child and tell them you love them.