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On the evening of May 9, the Apache Junction Inner Circle held a heartfelt and impactful fundraising event at the Moose Lodge in Apache Junction.
The event was dedicated to rallying support and raising funds for all levels of Apache Junction wrestling, from youth programs to high school competition, according to a release.
The evening featured inspirational guest speakers, including seven-time state champion coach, 1987 State Champion and AJHS Class of 1987 alumnus Roy Lopez; Hall of Fame Coach Glenn McMinn; and incoming AJHS Athletic Director Traston Yates, also an AJHS graduate. Their stories reflected the strength, legacy and potential of the Apache Junction wrestling community.
A special acknowledgment was made to Jerry Burgess Sr., president of the Moose Lodge, for his longstanding philanthropy since 1969. Burgess was honored with an award from the Apache Junction Inner Circle for his unwavering support. He generously sponsored the evening’s dinner and venue and donated checks to both the Black & Gold football program and Apache Junction Inner Circle, the release states.
With 81 attendees, the event marked a strong and positive step forward for the local wrestling community.
= Apache Junction Inner Circle is a nonprofit organization founded by four successful AJHS alumni who have gone on to achieve excellence in their careers and continue to give back to their community:
Glenn McMinn Jr. – Class of 1983, three-time State Champion, ASU graduate (1989), law degree recipient (1991), practicing attorney and entrepreneur.
Kelly Branham – Class of 2002, three-time High School All-American, three-time College All-American, AJHS’ only Collegiate National Champion, now a world-traveling personal trainer transforming lives.
Lauren Armagost – Class of 2007, successful roofing business owner for 13 years and devoted mother of two future Prospectors, she’s the heart of the Apache Junction Inner Circle.
Mark “Pun” Perkins – Class of 2002, three-time Arizona National Team Member, part of the 2002–03 NAIA National Championship team at Missouri Valley College, 2008 graduate of Pacific University, and now an insurance business owner in Tempe.
Guided by the motto “We over Me,” Apache Junction Inner Circle remains committed to strengthening the entire wrestling ecosystem in Apache Junction — supporting athletes, coaches and families alike.
