The Southern Oregon wrestling team will host its first-ever All American Salmon Derby Sept. 11 at Lex's Landing in Gold Beach.

All proceeds will go to the Southern Oregon wrestling program and is sponsored by State Farm Agent, Paul Barton. To signup download this form.

Awards will be given out in the youth division (17 and under), adult division (18 and over) and the American Heroes division. The American Heroes division are derby competitors who have served our country in one of the following capacities: Military, Police, Fireman or Rescue Workers.

"We are excited as a program to do a patriotic event and recognize the commitment of what we feel are real American heroes," SOU head coach Mike Ritchey said. "We have one member of next year's team that has served in Iraq (Medford's Juan Aguilar (Medford, Ore./South Medford)) and Ron Lee's brother Travis was in a command position on this last tour and Kyle Wirkuty (Portland, Ore./Centennial) just completed boot camp and will eventually be in Officers Candidate school. We also have several former wrestlers who are either policemen or firemen and have current members of our team who have an interest in pursuing those careers."

Entry fee is $35 per division entered. Individuals can donate money to the event that will allow an American Hero to fish in the event.

For more information on the derby, contact Ritchey at 541-944-7259.