Going to Xtreme to Raise Money

LAKELAND | When high school teams need to raise money, they think car washes, candy bars and concession stands.

At Kathleen High School, wrestling coach Brent Dail isn't taking orders. He's taking names.

Dail isn't your ordinary coach. He's also the champion of World Xtreme Wrestling, a league modeled after wrestling entertainment giant WWE, only smaller. And he'll defend that belt Saturday at the Kathleen High School gym in the X-Treme Halloween Bash for the team's fundraiser. Dail says this is the most important match of his life.

"This is all about the kids," Dail said. "This is basically my coming back to my hometown. I've put a lot of time in this sport in the last 20 years, I lost in the state finals in Lakeland my senior year (at Lake Gibson). I'll be doing this to help these kids. They deserve it. That's my biggest thing, helping these kids."

He will be going up against CJ O'Doyle, the former champion who lost his belt a few months ago to Dail.

Dail has successfully defended the title four times, but this will be his toughest test.

"He (O'Doyle) is getting frustrated. He wants to come at me in my backyard and take this from me. But I got the whole town behind me."

O'Doyle is playing off the Lakeland High School and Kathleen rivalry to try to bring more heat to the upcoming match.

"Nothing important happens at Kathleen High School," O'Doyle said on a promotion for the event.

"Lakeland High has taken me in, they're better than you at everything. And on the 29th, I will prove that I'm better than you, you will have your whole crowd, your whole school behind you. But I will take the championship back to a winning school (Lakeland)."

Afa Anoa'i has masterminded the idea behind the event.

"I was talking to him (Anoa'i) about doing something here," Dail said. "He even asked me about doing a fundraiser, and I was fine with it. Our athletic director (Gary Lineberger) was all for it too.

"This is our fundraiser, I'm going to Vegas on this one, I'm gambling. You have to take risks to go where you want to go. But this is a risk I know that's going to be rewarding to this team and this school."

Dail expects a big turnout for the event that will also feature a heavyweight championship match, a women's championship bout and a costume contest.

Tickets cost $10 to $15 and can be purchased at Kathleen High School, Knickerbockers Barber Shop on Socrum Loop and Halloween City in North Lakeland. Doors open at 6 p.m. Those interested can contact the high school for more information.