The effort to put up a sign to recognize one of Christiansburg’s greatest accomplishments remains at zero.
Throughout the country when you go to high school wrestling tournaments, teams cringe when the Blue Demons walk into the gym.
The wrestlers have been dominating for a long time and have collected 17-straight state titles, a mark that a lot of other schools and communities would love to boast about. But not here in our own backyard.
For over four years now, I have pushed for a sign to welcome people into the town, home of the 17-time state champions. But it has gone without result.
This past week, town council asked the members of the county’s board of supervisors to help fund the sign. Why would they when they have to worry about three other high schools who have their right to state titles?
I cannot understand why the town would not want to brag about this outstanding effort. I have brought the matter to the governing body’s attention after every state win. I just hope they decide to honor these kids before the first state loss. It would be a shame by then.
When I last checked, one metal sign could be made for less than $150—just one sign that could be placed as you come into the town.
Council has recently approved just under $500,000 for welcome signs and other light pole signage to welcome people into the community, so I don’t know why they are concerned about the small amount for a wrestling sign.
It seems to me the town doesn’t want to be boastful about the success of the team. So, I am proposing to coaches, parents and even school officials, we strike the word “Christiansburg” from uniforms, jackets and even banners associated with the wrestling team.
This is not in any way being disrespectful. Instead it is the opposite. I believe these kids should be honored, and a lot of the wrestlers in the past have not received their due. I organized a small parade and welcoming home party for the group after this last state championship. It was not well attended. Yes, there were parents and a few coaches, but this program deserves so much more.
I am sorry that those from the first few championships have gone unnoticed. I bet many of those reading this could not even name those early champions. We are talking about 17 years of wrestlers not being honored like they should be.
As part of my protest, I will only refer to the wrestling team as the Blue Demons. Yes, they represent Christiansburg High School. But the question is: does the town of Christiansburg represent them?
