The Pickens High School wrestling team washed a fence at a local farm Saturday despite the threatening rain to bring them closer to their money goal needed to purchase a new wrestling mat. Their earned money now stands at $3,794 with a May 30 deadline to raise $5,000. Their next project is a car wash this Saturday, May 11, at Legacy Square in downtown Pickens. Washing will begin at 9 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. or when the last car is washed. The $5,000 earned will be matched by the school system to provide the funding for the $10,000 mat that will replace the 20 year old well worn mat now used. The boys have done many outdoor projects to earn the money. Contact coach Mark Barrett at PHS if you can help the boys achieve their goal. Pictured are, from left, Ethan Eades, Brett Wells, Jacob Wagner, Justin Stumbo and Barrett.

PICKENS ­— The Pickens High School wrestling team needs your help.

According to PHS wrestling coach Mark Barrett, his program is in need of a new wrestling mat and with help of the community and the hard work of his team they are trying to make it a reality.

Barrett said in the fall of 2012 the School District of Pickens County announced a program where it would match funds for equipment for non-revenue sportsuntil the end of the school year.

The team’s second wrestling mat, which is more than 20 years old, was in such condition that it couldn’t even be repaired, so the team set forth to raise the needed money to buy a new one. Barrett said he researched mats online and discovered the cost was around $10,000.

The team started in the fall by raking leaves and blowing off roofs and was given donations to put towards their half of the cost. When the season started, the team had raised an amazing $2,000. The season slowed the progress of raising funds, but now the team is back at it and needs help to reach its goal.

“We have started back and are doing odd jobs for people in the community. We will do any basic labor within our abilities,” Barrett said.

“We have cleared downed trees and brush and will be doing fence cleaning this weekend, and a car wash is planned for Saturday,” he said.

“These boys have really worked hard this year helping to earn money for the new mat, and we really appreciate the support and encouragement from their families and community.

If you would like to help the Pickens High School Wrestling team in its quest for a new wrestling mat at the school, contact Coach Mark Barrett at Pickens High School. Any job or donation would be much appreciated.

The deadline for the team to raise the final $3,000 is May 30.