Sports

Lakes Wrestler Trying To Pay His Way to National Wrestling Tournament

Ke'Vionne Robbins, a junior, is working to raise $2,000 for his tournament in Fargo, ND.

A Lakes High wrestler is proving his determination, and it's evident in more than takedowns and pins.

Ke'Vionne Robbins is a junior who qualified recently for a national high school wrestling tournament in Fargo, ND, a tournament that features some of the best wrestlers in the country. It's an opportunity that's both career-defining and expensive.

The trip is going to cost Robbins some $2,000 and requires a $250 deposit. That kind of cash isn't easy to come by for a high school student. Still, that's not stopping Robbins from trying to attend.

He is on a personal crusade to raise the money through whatever means necessary - washing cars, mowing lawns, odd jobs, whatever is needed.

Robbins took to Facebook, and with the help of such notable Facebook users as Lakes Lancers, he issued a plea for the public to help him reach his goal.

"If anyone needs a lawn cut, car washed or knows an employer hiring teenagers, please let me know," he wrote. "If you want to donate money, it would be greatly appreciated (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, dollars) and no amount is too small."

"With the help of family, friends and coaches," he added, "I have earned an opportunity to represent Washington State, Lakewood, Steilacoom, Lakes, my family, my friends and myself at a national wrestling tournament. If you could help me turn this opportunity into a reality, I will remember to pay it back in the future."

His pledge got the attention of the social mediasphere. Patch shared his plea on its Facebook page, and thousands of users viewed and shared it.

Patch contacted Robbins, who offered this update:

So far it's been a rough ride, but I still manage to keep my head above water. I don't exactly know how to describe my passion for all who have helped me.
But I can start by telling you how I'm doing. In the beginning I started out with $210 after washing cars for a week. That did me well for my uniform package and my ordered copy of my birth certificate. As it stands, I have a total of $50 toward my $250 deposit and am currently looking for small jobs.

Just because I know people are donating does not mean that I shouldn't hold up my end of the bargain. I'm holding on and refuse to let go of my dream, and I know that it can be achieved with everyone's helping hand. Thank you so much, everyone, and it truly means a lot to me. If there is any way that I can repay anyone, I will do it to the best of my ability.


Patch will provide updates on Ke'Vionne's status as information becomes available. To contact him, send an e-mail to kevionner@yahoo.com or visit his Facbook page.


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