The Grapevine High School wrestling team took paying tribute to the heroes of 9/11 to the next level this year as it partnered with the Grapevine Fire Department, Grapevine Police Department and Grapevine City Council for a special tribute at Mustang Panther Stadium.
The team and first responders assembled at the stadium on the morning of September 11 and replicated climbing the 110 flights of stairs that first responders in New York City climbed inside the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
“We thought it would be a great idea to honor those that not just gave their best, but gave everything,” said GHS wrestling coach Matt Criner.
In addition to climbing the stairs, first responders and many members of the wrestling team also carried weighted vests or backpacks to simulate the weight carried by 9/11 first responders.
Included in the participating firefighters was 2006 Grapevine High School graduate Kenneth Hesch.
“What these kids are doing today is pretty impressive, and I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me up.” Hesch said. “It was an honor to be invited and to be able to be here today with them.
“I don’t think there is any better way to invest in the future of your community than to invest in the kids. It’s an honor to be here, and I’m thankful for our department, our city and our school district for putting this on. It was a great experience and very humbling.”