Montezuma wrestling alum host 80s, 90s reunion

​     Montezuma High School wrestlers from the years 1980 – 1994 held a reunion to honor their coach, Gary Strobel, and reconnect. During Strobel’s rein, nine wrestlers qualified for state. Six of the nine where present with two unable to attend and one now deceased. Pictured are, from left: Wes Paregeon, Kirk Bond, Travis Johannes, Coach Gary Strobel, Don LaGarage, Jimmy Fisk and Mark Bond.

By J.O. Parker
 
      A reunion gathering of Montezuma High School wrestling alum from 1980 – 1994 was held on Saturday, Sept. 9 in Montezuma.
      The event, which was spearheaded by Daryl Pargeon, a 1993 Montezuma graduate and prep wrestler, with the help of his brother, Wes, and Travis Johannes, who were part of the wrestling program.
      There were 30 people with ties to the Montezuma wrestling program during that time frame that attended the reunion.
     This included 25 wrestlers, two cheerleaders, two referees along with former Coach Gary Strobel and his wife, Sherrill.
    Strobel of New Sharon led the Montezuma wrestling program during that time frame. He was the first coach to lead the program at Montezuma.
    The event was held at the Pargeon Farm west of Montezuma and included a potluck meal and several hours spent reflecting and telling stories from back in the day.
     “Everyone told a story of how Coach Strobel impacted their lives,” said Pargeon. “He taught us more than how to wrestle, he taught us a solid work ethic and how to be great young men.”
     Under Strobel’s rein, nine Montezuma wrestlers qualified for state with three finishing as runner ups. Six of the nine were present at the event. Two where not present and one is now deceased.
They included:
      The late Mike Pargeon, the first state qualifier from Montezuma (1985).
      Jimmy Fisk, state qualifier (1986)
     Kirk Bond, state qualifier who finished third his first trip (1988)
     Jon Dawley, state qualifier (1988)
     Wes Pargeon, state qualifier with a state runner up finish in his first trip to state (1989)
     Mark Bond, a three-time state qualifier, who finished fifth his first trip and third the last year (1989 – 1991)
     Travis Johannes, a two-time state qualifier, who finished runner up is second year at state  (1991 – 1992)
     Aaron Barfels, state qualifier (1992)
     Don LaGrange, a three-time state qualifier, who finished as a runner up in final year at state (1992 – 1994)
    Pargeon said the Montezuma wrestling program is a close-knit group of young men who often talk, but until this year’s reunion there had not been any type of gathering or homecoming for the group. One wrestler traveled to Montezuma from Texas.
     “We started planning in June,” said Pargeon. “We wanted to show Coach Strobel how much he meant to everyone.”
     Pargeon said that Strobel mentioned the impact the cheerleaders and managers played in the program during his tenure. He also mentioned the parents and families who sacrificed time to get their kids to practice, attend meets and support the program.
      “When Daryl asked me about it, I was little surprised,” said Strobel. “Sherrill and I went up and were really surprised to see so many people there and those who could not be there called. I couldn’t have asked for a better day to get everyone together. Everyone had stories on me and I had stories on them. We had a lot of fun. It was a great day and a nice event.”
     “The event lasted a lot longer than we expected,” said Pargeon. “All-in-all, it was a great turnout and afternoon.”

      A Montezuma High School wrestlers reunion for years 1980 – 1994 was held at the Pargeon farm on Sept. 9 in Montezuma. The gathering drew 25 wrestlers, two cheerleaders, two referees and Coach Gary Strobel and his wife, Sherrill. The wrestlers spent the day reconnecting, sharing stories of the impact that Coach Strobel had on their lives and enjoying a potluck meal.