PENDLETON — Sometimes one conversation can spark change.
Such was the case between a student and coach, which ultimately resulted in a generous donation to the Arabians wrestling program: The Cruser family set up a fund through South Madison Community Foundation with a $10,000 donation, creating an annual grant to the program.
The Dave Cloud Wrestling Fund will generate $500 for the program each year and be able to grow.
Tania Cruzer said her son Sam would never have given wrestling a thought, but one day in 2019 when she went to pick him up at school, she noticed Arabians wrestling coach Dave Cloud talking to him.
When Sam got into the car, he told Tania he wondered if Cloud thought he was talking with someone else because he asked him about joining the wrestling team.
Later, Sam emailed the coach and asked him about wrestling.
Cloud answered the team could absolutely use him because he looked like a strong kid.
Sam went to practice and wrestled for the first time in the 2019 season.
“He loved it,” Tania said. “He never missed a practice. He gained confidence. He began to eat better and to work out. He never would have done this had Coach Cloud not said something.”
Sam thrived in the program and continued to wrestle during his senior season.
Wrestling was able to complete its season prior to the 2020 COVID-19 shutdown, and Sam won matches and defeated one wrestler who eventually went on to state competition.
“I loved what I saw. He came a long way,” Tania said.
Tania repeated a phrase Cloud had used before.
“Sometimes kids need wrestling more than wrestling needs kids.”
Because of Cloud’s interest in Sam, the family wanted to do something in return. While there is a scholarship for Arabians wrestlers, Tania wanted something different.
“I really wanted to help the wrestling club and not just one kid.”
The fund was created and is to be used at the coach’s discretion.
“Of course he wants to win, but more than that, it’s about having an awesome experience. I can’t say enough about a coach looking for opportunities for kids,” Tania said. “Sam has confidence he never would have. He was successful, and he has a stronger body.”
At the wrestling awards night, assistant coach Katie Kriebel told Cloud she had one more recognition for the night.
He had no idea what was coming, and when Kriebel read the letter Tania had written for the presentation, Cloud said he was very humbled and surprised.
“It stuns me to think that kids who haven’t even been born yet will benefit from this,” Cloud said.
Cloud couldn’t say enough about Sam and his work ethic.
“He never missed a practice. He worked hard, and we loved having him in the program.”
He said while the school does a tremendous job of giving the student-athletes what they need, there is always a use for any extra money.
Pendleton Heights remains a school where students do not have to pay to participate in athletic programs.
“Having that extra money is really comforting and enhances the program,” Cloud said.
Cloud has been a coach for 40 years, 36 at Pendleton Heights, and is highly respected as both a coach and mentor.
Bobby Sands wrestled for Cloud from 1991 to 1995 and said he was thrilled to hear of the fund.
“He taught me sportsmanship, dedication and persistence. This is great because it helps coaches as well as wrestlers.”
Cloud credits his successes to the opportunity to watch other great coaches, which has benefited him throughout his career.
“John Broughton (the former Pendleton Heights football coach who died in May) was a great influence, and watching Adam Ballard work with the guys and Melissa Hagerman building relationships. Those relationships are really important.”
“He is a great example of what coaches can be,” Tania said.
She wrote two letters for awards night — one to be read aloud and a more personal one to Cloud.
Tammy Bowman, executive director of South Madison Community Foundation, said anyone can donate to the fund either online or with a check, and those donating should put Dave Cloud Wrestling Fund in the memo line.
Tania Cruser said she is grateful for the changes in her son. The experience of being an Arabians wrestler will influence and help Sam in whatever he does in his future, she said.
