Story by: Parker Cassidy
The stands at United High School were packed Wednesday night as wrestlers, fans, and community members gathered for the Mason Giddings Memorial Meet, a night for remembrance, community support, and the sport Mason loved.
From the Warren County Youth Wrestling Club opening the night to the junior high and high school matches that followed, the gym remained full throughout the evening.
United Athletic Director Jeremy Sharp said the community support was overwhelming from the moment the doors opened.
“It’s been amazing. It’s better than what we actually anticipated,” said Sharp. “The support that’s came out is amazing and we want to thank everybody for that.”
The evening featured a silent auction, a live auction, 50/50 raffle and free-will donations, all to honor Mason and support his family. Sharp also added the event highlighted how powerful the United and Monmouth-Roseville communities really are when they come together.
“You’re supposed to be rivals, but we can put that aside for one night to come together for a memorial for Mason… it just shows when you need somebody this community comes together.”
United Superintendent Tom Hawkins pointed to the night as a reflection of the support found in a small-town community.
“Small, loving communities like the Monmouth area and the surrounding Monmouth area… are more of a family and everybody is supportive,” Hawkins said.
For United Head Wrestling Coach Logan Thiele, the night carried personal meaning. When asked about what stood out most about Mason, one detail immediately came to mind.
“It was the smile, it was the fun, everything,” Thiele said. “That kid’s smile was infectious. He just brought everybody to be better around him.”
United Athletic Director Jeremy Sharp said that same memory has stayed with him.
“The thing I will never forget is that smile. His smile was so contagious.”
Coach Thiele said nights like Wednesday help bring energy back into a sport that isn’t always easy.
“Wrestling is a tough sport, so it can be hard to get a crowd in sometimes,” Thiele said. “To have a night like tonight just brings the excitement back and makes it a little bit better for the kids.”
On the other side of the mat, Monmouth-Roseville Head Wrestling Coach Travis Henry said the night was important not just for honoring Mason, but for the growth of wrestling in the area.
“This is what draws the positive attention that wrestling needs and gets fans in the building,” Henry added. “Normally it’s just family, but this event is great, and I’d like to see it be a yearly thing.”
Another highlight of the night was the youth wrestling, which featured 19 matches. Coach Henry said those numbers are great, and it benefits both schools.
“The youth club is great. They normally average around 30 to 33 kids at practice,” Henry said. “It’s going to be good coming up for both Monmouth and United kids.”
The Mason Giddings Memorial Meet served as more than just a night of wrestling. It was a reminder of the impact Mason had on those around him. From start to finish, the night reflected the legacy he continues to leave behind.
For the full interviews from the Mason Giddings Memorial Meet, listen below.
United Athletic Director Jeremy Sharp
United Superintendent Tom Hawkins
United Wrestling Head Coach Logan Thiele
Monmouth-Roseville Wrestling Head Coach Travis Henry
