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February 2, 2016 marks the first ever "Takedown Cancer" wrestling match honoring all of those who have fought cancer.

The wrestling tournament is between two local rival high schools, Clearfield and Phillipsburg-Osceola and the idea for the wrestling match came from the two teams. The coaches wanted to do something to honor those fighting cancer. They also wanted the match to be in memory of Kerry Starr who was Emily's third grade teacher. Kerry sadly lost her battle with cancer last year.

To add even more excitement to the hometown rivalry, Kari graduated from Clearfield while Tom graduated from Phillipsburg-Osceola. Both Tom and Kari are full of hometown pride and are excited for this event!

Since the Whiteheads are so thankful for their community and the support they received during Emily's fight with cancer, the Emily Whitehead Foundation is honored to help out in this event.

On top of a great wrestling match, there will be a bake sale, multiple 50-50 drawings, and a Chinese auction. Local NFL star Jon Condo of the Oakland Raiders was kind enough to donate autographed photos and other items. Additionally, Penn State wrestler Quentin Wright donated his signed NCAA team championship jacket towards the takedown event.

Both local school districts have been showing their support by selling t-shirts for the event. Elementary schools from both Philipsburg and Clearfield have held various fundraisers including a "Coin Wars" where students brought in coins from home.

The money raised from this event will help fund cancer research.

The match starts at 5 p.m. at Philipsburg-Osceola High School.

Click here to listen to an interview with Dave Thompson (P-O wrestling club), Dave Glass (Clearfield wrestling club), and Tom Whitehead (co-founder Emily Whitehead Foundation) about the event!

TWO schools, ONE community.
TWO teams, ONE mission.
TAKEDOWN CANCER!