Some schools sell cupcakes to raise money. Others put on cultural programs. St. Margaret’s School in Middle Village is having a fundraiser by selling an elbow drop, literally. The private school will be putting on a pro wrestling show Saturday at 7:30 p.m. to help raise money that will go to the school’s technology programs.
James Smith, the co-promoter of Showcase Championship Wrestling, a Brooklyn and Queens-based promotion company, worked with his friend and school principal Philip Franco to bring a family-friendly wrestling show to the school for the first time.
“He was looking for something different to do than just a normal tricky tray, night at the races, that kind of stuff,” Smith said of Dr. Franco.
“It’s sometimes nice to do something with a change of pace.”
Franco said the school has had other types of fundraisers but not something like this. “This is by far the most unique,” he said.
The card will feature veterans of the squared circle along with up-and-coming wrestlers looking to make a name for themselves. Longtime fans will recognize names such as Stevie Richards, Marty Janetty and Danny Doring.
Doring has wrestled for numerous promoters, including World Wrestling Entertainment, but made his name in the hardcore Extreme Championship Wrestling, where he held one half of the tag team belt until the company closed. He will be facing off against the man who mentored him in wrestling school, Perry Saturn, in one of the main event matches.
He compares the showdown to when Darth Vader went mano-a-mano with his teacher Obi-Wan Kenobi in the first “Star Wars” movie.
“It’s kind of come full circle,” he said. “I’m looking at it as one of the biggest nights in my career.”
One of the young wrestlers looking to raise his stock in the industry is Middle Village’s own Spartan. To him, St. Margaret’s is much more than just another wrestling venue. Growing up two blocks away, he had his communion and played basketball at the church. He is looking forward to being able to compete in front of his friends and family.
“It’s the closest show I’ve ever wrestled,” he said. “I travel so far to wrestle all the time and a lot of the time it’s in front of people I don’t know.”
At just 20, the 5-foot-8, 190-pounder will be going up against Bellerose-born “Platinum” Pat Buck. Though Buck might have more experience and the size advantage, Spartan isn’t letting that hold him back.
“This is really one of the biggest opponents I’ve ever faced, namewise,” he said.
“I want to get an opportunity to prove my namesake. If I can get in the ring and hang with someone like Pat Buck, then that shows I’m for real. I’m not a kid just trying to live his dream.”
Admission is $30 for all seats. Wrestlers will be available for autographs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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