Olivet College wrestling team helps raise $1,410 for Out of the Darkness

OLIVET, Mich. – At its benefit dual match last Thursday, the Olivet College wrestling program helped raise $1,410 for the Out of the Darkness organization. Olivet College assistant head coach Adam Wilson worked with the Inter-Society Council to help bring the Greek students to the match as well assist in the fundraising effort.

"I am beyond thankful for the many individuals and organizations across campus that supported this initiative," said Wilson. "When I approached ISC with the idea of doing a benefit dual in the fall, I set out with a goal to bring a group of people in the Olivet College community together to fulfill our mission to 'Be More and Do Good.' The students in the Greek organizations on campus had a tremendous response and were extremely supportive throughout the process.

"Truthfully, a lot of the thanks should be directed toward Shelby Verlinde for her efforts in organizing the students who helped raise funds toward this event," continued Wilson. "I would also like to thank Ryan Shockey for his support on behalf of the entire athletic department. Without these two individuals and their efforts, this night could not have been successful."

"The Greeks wanted to support our local community in raising funds," said Verlinde, ISC President. "Out of the Darkness is an organization many Greeks have supported over the years. The benefit dual gave us another opportunity to truly make an impact in helping such a great organization give back to the Olivet community."

Six of the Greek houses – Soronian, Phi Alpha Pi, Elite, Nu Gamma Zi, Adelphic and Mu Omega Pi – combined to raise nearly $500 total. The remaining amount was given by the Olivet athletic department as $1 donation per fan in attendance. All of the money will support implementing mental health programs on campus for all Olivet College students."

"From my perspective, the benefit dual demonstrated exactly what Olivet College is all about," stated Wilson. "As an alumnus and a coach here at the institution, I am extremely proud to see so many people on campus get behind a great cause and support it. This was not a 'check the box' type event. Supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Out of the Darkness fund was specifically important to the student groups that we worked with.

"This was a great way for our students to 'Think Globally and Act Locally,' and the funds we raised will be directed toward making an impact for our students here at Olivet College. As a wrestling program, we are looking forward to supporting the Out of the Darkness walk on March 30 as we [the Olivet College community] continue bring awareness to mental health issues and raising funds to support the initiative."