Wrestling community rallies for memorial tournament

REARDAN - The Reardan High School wrestling team is hosting a memorial tournament on Saturday, July 27, to raise funds for funeral expenses in honor of their beloved teammate, Torin Alexander Zagorski, who recently passed away.

The event will take place at the Smith Gym in Reardan, starting at 8 a.m.

Torin Alexander Zagorski was born on June 12, 2007, and passed away on Tuesday, June 18. He is survived by his parents, Richard and Lena Zagorski, and his siblings, Tristan and Tayen Zagorski.

According to his obituary published with Dignity Memorial of Spokane, "Torin was such a loving, caring boy. He had a heart-melting smile and a loving hug."

Faith Matusik, the director of the Reardan Renegades, spoke about Torin's impact on the team and the community.

"Torin loved wrestling. It didn't matter if he won or lost; he was always there. Wrestling was important to him, and he wasn't the best wrestler on the team, but he still had an impact. He didn't put other people down, and as a team, we try to be there for each other," Matusik shared.

Torin, who started on the Reardan Renegades team before aging out, was on the team with Matusik's son at Reardan High School.

"As a wrestling community, we are more like a family rather than just a team. We have known Torin's family for a while, and I knew they were going to need some support. It was the only thing I could think of to help."

The tournament will feature over 55 wrestlers from 23 different teams, with participants ranging from five-year-olds to recent high school graduates.

"We have wrestlers that are helping referee and some that want to compete. Some have designed T-shirts. They have really gotten the word out to their friends at other schools. We have kids registered from Tacoma to Idaho. It's been great. So many people have contacted and volunteered to help," Matusik said.

Torin's mother, Lena Zagorski, has created a GoFundMe to help cover the funeral expenses.

"It's been a very hard time in more ways than anyone could ever have to deal with. Usually, I'm a very private person, but the cost of the funeral is hurting me financially. If anyone could help at all, I would be eternally grateful," she wrote on the fundraising page. Currently, $220 has been raised towards the $9,000 goal. Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ease-the-burden-of-torins-funeral.

The Reardan Renegades are inviting the community to support the event in various ways.

"We still need volunteers to help out. People can come watch, donate, or buy shirts we had designed with the family. I would really like for all of the kids on the team to see that no matter how important they are, they are valued and loved by their team and the community. I want to remember Torin and show his family that we love and support them as well," Matusik said.

The memorial tournament is not just a chance to honor Torin's memory but also an opportunity for the community to come together in support and solidarity.

"Planning a wrestling tournament is a big task, but the number of people who turned out to help has made it so much easier. I just want them to know that we are there for them no matter what," Matusik concluded.