Bulloch Academy wrestling coach Andy Tomlin, along with  Tom Caiazzo of East Georgia College, have come together to find a fun and exciting way to give back to the Bulloch County Community.
    After some brainstorming earlier this year, the pair decided to put on a professional wrestling fundraiser event Saturday in order to provide a new gymnasium for the Boys and Girls Club of Bulloch County.
    On Feb. 15, a fire severely damaged the teen center at the Boys and Girls Club, leaving the organization with no gymnasium. No staff or children were injured in the fire, according to reports.
    Tomlin said a professional wrestling event would be a different way to give back and proceeds will go towards the BGCBC building a new gym facility.
    “We just wanted to help anyway we could,” said Tomlin, who is an avid professional wrestling fan. “Our wrestling program wants to give back to this community. At first we thought we would kind of play it by ear, but now it’s turned into a pretty big thing.”
    Caiazzo, who owns American Premiere Wrestling, will have some of his top talent at the event including former WCW World Television Champion Marcus “Buff” Bagwell.
    “He’s still up and hustling and he’s a good guy. He Still stays in shape,” Tomlin said of Bagwell. “Bulloch Academy has never had anything like this.”
    Tomlin agreed a pro-wrestling event was a bit “out of the ordinary” for a fundraising event, but said the community should enjoy it.
    “Anytime you introduce something new to the community, a lot of people may be apprehensive about it,” Tomlin said. “They’re not sure what they may see. Someone getting hit in the head with a chair or whatever, but in reality that’s not what the show is about. (Caiazzo) runs a clean show.
    “Tom’s been doing this since 1999 and he’s growing slowly and steadily. I think it’s pretty cool that we get to be a part of this.”
    Bulloch Academy wrestlers may or may not get in the ring on Saturday, Tomlin said. The BA wrestling coach said there could be a chance of him stepping into the ring as well.
    Tomlin said he expects around 500 to 1000 people to attend the fundraiser, which will be held at Bulloch Academy's gymnasium.
    Bell time is scheduled for 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at the door.
    “There’s a lot of community businesses that paid the retainer for the talent to be here. This is a community event and it should be a lot of fun,” Tomlin said.

    Horace Holloman may be reached at (912) 489-9408.