Students from Wheatland Union High School point to teacher and wrestler Olumide Coker (center) during a recent field trip. Soon they will be celebrating his upcoming championship match at the WCWF’s “Uncharted Territory” event. Proceeds from the event will support special education programs at the school. Courtesy of Olumide Coker

WHEATLAND, CA (MPG) - After last winter’s inaugural show raised more than $2,000 for Wheatland Union High School’s special education program, local teacher and professional wrestler Olumide Coker is stepping back into the ring—this time for the fight of his life.

On Friday, May 30, Coker will headline West Coast Wrestling Federation’s 12th Anniversary Show: “Uncharted Territory,” an adrenaline-charged wrestling event taking place on his own campus at 1010 Wheatland Rd. in Wheatland. This match is especially meaningful—not just because it supports students with special needs, but because Coker will be facing off against his mentor and friend, West Coast Wrestling Federation Champion Nathan Brick.

“Although it’s the second event at the school, it’s the most important,” said Coker, who teaches special education at Wheatland Union. “Me going against Nathan Brick—my wrestling trainer, mentor, and friend—seems poetic. He’s the person who took a chance on me, and I wouldn’t be where I am without him.”

Coker, who performs under the ring name “The Dark Fox,” will challenge Brick for the West Coast Wrestling Federation Championship title in front of his students, coworkers, and community.

“To have the opportunity to face someone of his caliber... in front of my students at my school is surreal,” Coker added.

Promotional poster for “WCWF: Uncharted Territory,” the 12th Anniversary wrestling event at Wheatland Union High School on May 30, where teacher and wrestler Olumide Coker will face off against his mentor Nathan Brick in a student-vs-master showdown to raise funds for the school’s special education program. Courtesy of Olumide Coker

The show is part wrestling spectacle, part fundraiser, and part graduation send-off. All proceeds will benefit the school’s S.M.I.L.E. Foundation (Students Making It a Little Easier), which helps fund social, academic, and extracurricular experiences for students with disabilities. Coker says the foundation’s work has created “some of the best memories and experiences of my life.”

“High school is difficult and leaving can be a scary experience,” said Coker. “I hope to give [our graduates] a special memory at the end of their high school career. They can go further and higher as long as they believe in themselves and have faith to persevere.”

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with bell time at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at GoFan, gofan.co/event/3588653, or at the door: $20 ringside, $15 general admission, and $10 for students. For more information, call 530-870-2459.

This may be a battle for the belt—but for Coker, it’s also a chance to give back to the students who inspire him daily.

“I’m glad that I can bring my two worlds together,” Coker said. “This is an opportunity for me to give back and create a night they will remember.”