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ALLIANCE, OHIO – (Jan. 5, 2022) – After much consideration and discussion, Alliance City Schools (ACS) is canceling the 2022 Top Gun Wrestling Tournament scheduled for Friday, Jan. 14 and Saturday, Jan. 15 due to the surge in COVID-19 cases. This is the second year the tournament has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This was not a decision that was taken lightly,” said Mike Schott, the ACS athletic director. “We have spent the last couple weeks consulting with a number of organizations and individuals to see if we could safely hold our annual Top Gun tournament. Unfortunately, it is not possible amid the recent uptick in COVID cases. We’re sad to have to cancel Top Gun again, but it’s what’s best for the district and community at this time.”

The district consulted with our Tournament Software Coordinator, Top Gun officials, the Alliance Health Department, other tournament directors, Aultman Hospital officials, Aviator Sports Boosters, other district athletic directors and Top Gun Tournament workers (past and present) before making the decision to cancel the tournament. 

Top Gun isn’t the only tournament being canceled. A number of large athletic tournaments across Ohio, including the Brecksville Holiday Tournament, the Bill Dies Tournament and the MIT - Medina Tournament have all been canceled due to the state of the pandemic.

Each year thousands of athletes and spectators attend the tournament, which has been an Alliance staple for more than 30 years. The tournament takes place at Alliance High School where spectators and teams fill the gym for two days as the tournament takes place.

“We have to think about the safety of our team, volunteers, staff and community as well as that of our visitors and spectators,” said Rob Gress, superintendent of schools. “We know this tournament is a big boost to our local economy, but the risk of spreading COVID and possibly hosting a super-spreader event during this critical time in the pandemic would be irresponsible of us. Our priority right now is being able to maintain in-person learning and ensuring the health and safety of our students, staff and community.”

The district looks forward to the time when we can safely host the Top Gun Wrestling Tournament once again.

For more information about the Alliance City School District, visit www.alliancecityschools.org.