Former Junction City Blue Jay wrestlers gathered Friday night at the Courtyard By Marriott Convention Center to start a new tradition, the annual JCHS Wrestling Alumni Reunion.

The coordinator of the event Henry Petty estimated about 15 attended. He noted Riley County Commissioner Marvin Rodriguez and former Blue Jay wrestler was among those attending, “who was on the original wrestling team that started in 1960.” Petty said Rodriguez remembered the beginning of the program where a shop teacher at the high school had connections with Oklahoma wrestling that helped develop the squad. “They just announced they were having it, and they went out and started from there.”

Some of the former wrestlers in attendance include Tim Cowan, John Powers, Tim Rudolph, Jan Rudolph and former head coach Ben Bennett.

This reunion was put together on fairly short notice so the turnout in future years is expected to increase.