Olumide Coker, right, faces off against another professional wrestler at River Valley High School on Sept. 14 during a match hosted by the West Coast Wrestling Federation (WCWF). Coker has organized another match with the West Coast Wrestling Federation at Wheatland Union High School on Dec. 13 to raise funds for its special ed program. Photo courtesy of the West Coast Wrestling Federation

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - On Sept. 14, the Yuba City’s West Coast Wrestling Federation (WCWF) held its first show of 2024 at River Valley High School.

The event featured some of the area's top professionals including Nathan Brick, Jayson Xavier, Prime Time and the Honor Society.

Continuing in its apparent high school tour, the West Coast Wrestling Federation will be hosting its second wrestling gig at Wheatland Union High School on Dec. 13 under the direction of Olumide Coker, also known as “Darkfox.”

Coker is both a professional wrestler and a resident special ed teacher at Wheatland Union. As a fighter, he has been featured in countless matches, but this will be his first time wrestling at the school he teaches for.

“Almost everyone on campus knows I'm a wrestler and a lot of them ask about it,” said Coker. “This will be a chance for them to finally see it up close and personal and then maybe they’ll understand why on Mondays I'm coming in sore and slow.”

In honor of this inaugural event, and in homage to Wheatland’s Pirate mascot, the West Coast Wrestling Federation has christened its Dec. 13 show the “Maiden Voyage.” Proceeds from the match are meant to raise funds for the school’s S.M.I.L.E special education program with the goal of purchasing a storage shed.

“The program is growing so we’re going to need more space and because we have such a diverse learning curve it’s a lot to keep up with,” explained Coker. “You do accumulate a lot of stuff doing this, but it's always useful.”

“Something that can be used for one student can always be used for another to help them develop whatever the skill is that we’re working on,” Coker added.

Coker said the shed will be used to house a variety of items such as specialty bikes adapted for physical disabilities, holiday decorations, recreational equipment, art and garden supplies. They will also be sharing the space with their classroom neighbors, the adult transitional program.

“I'm in a unique position and I really care about my kids,” said Coker. “I can't give them everything, but I want them to have everything. I don’t think I’ve ever found a way to get money to get them stuff, so this is a way for me to do that.”

Olumide Coker celebrates a win at River Valley High School on Sept. 14 during a match hosted by West Coast Wrestling Federation (WCWF). Coker has organized another match with the West Coast Wrestling Federation at Wheatland Union High School on Dec. 13 to raise funds for its special ed program. Photo courtesy of Tyler Zepp

The “Maiden Voyage” matchups are open to the public and will take place in Wheatland Union’s North Gym. General admission will be set at $15 with floor tickets being sold at $20. Wheatland students, staff and those with student ID can purchase tickets at $10. Tickets will be available at the door or online at gofan.co/event/2474959.

The following day, on Dec. 14, Coker and a number of his colleagues will again be featured in the “Christmas Clash,” hosted by Pro Championship Wrestling (PCW), as part of the annual Yuba City Christmas Stroll. This is the first time professional wrestling has been showcased as featured entertainment for the stroll, a decision made by members of the Yuba City Downtown Business Association.

“We thought it would be a different and fun show to bring downtown,” said Natalie Syverson, a local business owner and member of the Downtown Business Association. “We are always thinking of what else to bring to the events we have for others to come and join in on the fun.”

The Christmas Clash will also feature a new up and coming high school wrestler from River Valley named Ethan Reyno. Reyno has been creating a bit of a buzz around town as the youngest wrestler in PCW’s history.

Matches will be held off Plumas Street in Yuba City starting around 2 p.m.