On Friday March 8, spectators of all ages braved the rainy weather and gathered in the Hebron High School gymnasium to witness the seventh annual Hebron Havoc. This professional wrestling-style event, which features an authentic ring, is a fundraiser for the Hebron Schools Education Foundation. This year’s event had an outstanding turnout of attendees: they filled the bleachers of the gymnasium and enjoyed the action while snacking on popcorn, pretzels, and other delicious treats.
The assembled crowd looked on with rapt attention to the much-anticipated next installment in the Hebron Havoc series. Opposing wrestling teams engaged in dramatic shouting matches and old rivalries were settled with flying fists and bone-jarring slams. Students in the audience did not hesitate to cheer for their favorite staff member or jeer at the wrestlers who have become the “villains” of the Hebron Havoc saga.
In its early years, the revenue generated by this fundraising event was put toward scholarships for students in the school district. However, for the past two years, the Hebron Havoc proceeds have been donated to the Hebron Schools Education Foundation.
Jeff Brooks, the superintendent of schools in Boone Township, is the mind behind Hebron Havoc. The idea came to him while he was still principal at Hebron Middle School.
“In 2016, our teachers held a wrestling battle royale, and that was essentially Hebron Havoc I,” Brooks said. “Since I became superintendent, we turned it into a corporation-wide event where we have elementary, middle, and high school staff members participate. We've been able to raise a lot of money for students. The kids really enjoy it, so we keep doing it. The Hebron community turns out for it and I just feel blessed to be here.”
Not only does Brooks wrestle in Hebron Havoc, but he also writes the entire script for every event, drawing inspiration from what he saw on TV as a child.
“I was a huge wrestling fan growing up,” Brooks said. “I'm 52 years old and I still love watching wrestling every Wednesday night. I'm a product of the 80s and was a fan of wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage. I’m also a big fan of wrestling teams from the 90s like New World Order (NWO), which is why we have this New Hebron Order (NHO) theme tonight.”
Todd Adamczyk, the Hebron High School athletic director and fellow Hebron Havoc wrestler, finds that the event lets him relive his own fond childhood memories.
“This event is just an opportunity for us to be kids again,” Adamczyk said. “Everybody enjoyed being a twelve-year-old watching the WWF (World Wrestling Federation) after cartoons on Saturday morning. We enjoy doing Hebron Havoc and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger every year.”
Carol Noland, who has taught at Hebron High School for almost thirty years, was also one of the night’s featured wrestlers. After defeating all comers in the ring and winning the championship belt, she closed her victory speech with an announcement that she would be retiring from teaching at the end of the year. She exited the ring with her prize amidst the cheers of the spectators. Heartwarming moments such as this have earned Hebron Havoc a special place in the community’s collective hearts. Attendees are excited to come back every year and the staff wrestlers are motivated to put on a fun show for them.
“Every year we always say, ‘This is going to be the last year that we do this,’” Adamczyk said. “Who are we kidding, though? We'll see you again next year for Hebron Havoc VIII!”
The action continued as the wrestlers pitted their strength against one another to the thunderous applause of the enthusiastic students and other community members in the crowd. Once the matches were completed, the onlookers made for home, eagerly anticipating what next year’s event has in store.
For more information on Hebron Schools, visit www.hebronschools.k12.in.us.