Lomira Wrestling Walks for Change 4 Troops

This year, the Lomira High School wrestling team is focusing on more than just wins on the mat with a renewed emphasis on attendance, attitude, effort, and community service, plus the team has already demonstrated what it means to lead with heart.
A committee of student wrestlers took the initiative to plan, prepare, and carry out a fundraising walk to honor veterans with their mission was simple but powerful: challenge the community to donate spare change, and the wrestlers would carry that change from the Byron Veterans Memorial 10 miles south to the Theresa Veterans Memorial, then walk another 1.4 miles to finish at the Lomira-Theresa Legion baseball breakfast.
Planning the event was no small feat. With support from Mrs. Janke and Mrs. Hanke, the students held meetings, coordinated with Dodge and Fond du Lac County law enforcement to ensure safety, and worked with local veterans organizations to determine how the donations would be used.
Wrestlers attended a Legion meeting, fielding questions and gaining support from its members.

Some students reached out to the Byron Veterans Memorial Committee and the Byron Historical Society to arrange the starting point and learn about its significance.
Others contacted local businesses to place coin collection stations and organized pickup logistics. Every detail was considered — from bathroom access to support vehicles.
On the morning of the walk, Mr. and Mrs. Janke helped shuttle the team from Theresa Town Hall to the Byron Memorial.
When asked by Legion members what they would do if the weather turned bad, the wrestlers responded with resolve: “We will walk rain or shine.” That answer brought smiles to the veterans’ faces.
And walk they did. Twenty-five students completed the 11.4-mile journey, ending at the Legion breakfast where they addressed the crowd.
In a memorable moment, they invited community members to lift their backpacks filled with donated change — many were amazed by the weight and couldn’t lift them.
One standout donation came from Rick Moegenberg, owner of Balfab Services, who surprised Mrs. Hanke with a 50-pound contribution: $500 in quarters and $500 in dimes.
In total, the wrestlers carried 171 pounds of change and $191 in bills, raising an impressive $2,355.65 for veterans.
Despite the long walk, the students could be seen dancing and singing the school song as they arrived — a testament to their spirit, pride, and dedication.
The Lomira wrestling team’s commitment to service has set a powerful tone for the season, proving that true strength comes from character, community, and compassion.