Wrestling rivals come together to honor and support

MOUNT VERNON — Towns divided, but united for a cause.

The wrestling rivalry between Lisbon and Mount Vernon took a brief timeout before Saturday night's dual at Mount Vernon.

The communities packed the gymnasium for a special night, honoring Mustangs Coach and former Lions state champion Vance Light, who will be inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Wrestling Hall of Fame at the 2016 state tournament, and support his wife, Marsha, who has fought multiple bouts of cancer.

The Lights did not know about the plans until right before the dual, getting called to center mat to be recognized.

'If I could say one word it is overwhelming,' Marsha Light said. 'It was nice to see the people.'

Fans from both towns separated by just a mile along Highway 30 filled the bleachers. Many wore shirts that said, 'Towns divided ... United For A Cause' with logos of both programs. The back listed Vance Light's achievements as a coach. Mount Vernon supporter Dave Ryan and Lisbon supporter Darin Williams came up with the idea, according to Lions Coach Brad Smith and Mustang assistant coach Aaron Truitt. More than 400 shirts were sold and worn by all the wrestlers and coaches.

'My first response was that I didn't get to order one,' Marsha Light said with a laugh. 'I wondered how I missed that.'

Awesome pic of the standing ovation for Vance & Marsha by January 3, 2016

Awesome pic of the standing ovation for Vance & Marsha by @Kate_Williams13 with @David_M_Ryan on the mic! pic.twitter.com/gwUt03APPF

— Mt. Vernon Wrestling (@MV_Wrestling)

Vance Light bridges the wrestling programs. He was a two-time state champion and three-time state finalist for Lisbon, wrestling for Smith. He entered this season with 332 dual victories, coaching 81 state qualifiers, 31 state medalists and four state champions, including Jacob Craig, Matt Kroul and Trey Ryan. Light has led Mount Vernon to three state duals tournaments and a fourth-place finish at the 2004 traditional state meet.

'It was very touching,' Smith said about the ceremony. 'I've known Vance for a long time. He's done a great job over there.'

Vance Light is reserved and tries to avoid attention, preferring for the spotlight to be on his wrestlers. he didn't even tell his wife about the Hall of Fame induction, forcing her to learn from media reports. The gesture was special to him.

'I know he appreciated it a lot,' Marsha Light said. 'I'm sure he had his mind on the meet.'

During the pre-dual speech, Dave Ryan noted that Marsha Light is one of the Mustangs greatest fans, building a strong bond and emotional relationship with the competitors. He called her a giver, even during a decade-long battle against cancer. She is an example of hard work, perseverance and positivity.

Marsha Light said she adores both communities. Many were there for her and her family in July when cancer returned in her brain.

'They started me on radiation right away,' Marsha Light said. 'The wrestling parents were like what can we do for you? People brought meals. They wanted to come over and clean my house. It's just the way they are. I couldn't think of a different place to live where I would have this much support and love for us.'

The rivalry between the two programs isn't as heated as in the past. It is based on competition with many wrestlers knowing each other off the mat. The Lisbon coaches approached the Lights during the tribute and then it turned to business.

'We went over and gave his wife a hug and shook his hand,' Smith said. 'Then we got to wrestling after that.

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