Tinora recently recognized former wrestling coach Tim Brown for his 17 seasons of coaching and dedication to the program during a special ceremony held on January 13. Surrounded by family, former athletes, and members of the community, the evening served as a celebration of Brown’s lasting impact one that extends far beyond the wrestling mat.
Brown shared that one of his greatest sources of pride is seeing former Tinora wrestlers grow into leaders within the Defiance area community, many of whom have gone on to become coaches, teachers, and mentors themselves.
Through his work with the Northeastern Local Schools Fund, Brown is helping establish the Individual Wrestling Scholarship Fund, which will support both current students and Tinora graduates as they pursue education beyond high school. The fund is designed to assist students entering a variety of paths, including college, skilled trades, and entrepreneurship programs. Applicants will be able to apply for funding through an established review process, with the goal of awarding scholarships on an annual basis.
Brown emphasized the importance of supporting students pursuing hands-on career paths, noting that those attending programs like Four County Career Center often need to purchase essential items such as tools, uniforms, and technology costs that can add up quickly for families.
To help launch the fund, Brown is hosting a community fundraising event on May 2 at the Eagles in downtown Defiance. The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m., and a full slate of entertainment from 7:00–11:00 p.m.
The evening will include a variety of interactive games, entertainment, and opportunities for attendees to connect and support the scholarship fund. One highlight of the evening will be a storytelling-style game where former wrestlers share memorable moments from their careers, and attendees guess whether the stories are true or not. Additional activities will include both silent and live auctions.
Brown shared that the goal of the event is to bring the community together for a fun and memorable night, while raising funds to support students in reaching their goals. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket please contact Tim Brown at 419-784-6659.