Team Holding Wrestling Tournament in Sean Fischel's Honor

The Moorestown Youth Wrestling team will host a charity tournament Friday in Sean Fischel's memory, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

The 7-year-old Moorestown boy died last month after losing a long battle with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), an extremely rare immune system disorder. 

Sean was a member of the youth wrestling team. Coach Ed Nice described him as, "A great little kid ... He was always smiling. It didn't matter if he was winning or losing, he always had a smile."

After Sean's passing, support poured in from all across the region, Nice said, with a number of other youth wrestling teams making donations in Sean's memory. The Marlton team just recently made a $1,000 donation, while other teams like Palmyra, Seneca and Maple Shade have also stepped up to the plate. 

Nice, president of the Grapevine Youth Wrestling League, said the team decided to put together the tournament because Sean was a member of their family.

"It wouldn't matter if he just wrestled with us for one year," said Nice. "He'll be a part of Moorestown wrestling forever." 

The 12-team dual meet will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, at Moorestown High School. He said the school district is donating the gym for the tournament, and the New Jersey Wrestling Officials Association is providing referees for the event at no charge. 

Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 3 and up, and can be purchased at the door. There is no pre-sale. The team will also be selling Sean Fischel Memorial Wrestling Tournament T-shirts for $12. All proceeds benefit CHOP.

Nice said the team will also be providing food at the event, so guests should "come hungry."

For more information or to find out how you can help, email Nice at gonefishen4fun@aol.com. Can't make the tournament? You can order T-shirts online by emailing seanfischelteeshirtorders@gmail.com.