Despite opposition from members of the local school board, one of whom called it “the lowest rung on the moral ladder,” the Neshaminy-Maple Point High School choir in Langhorne, Pa., recently sponsored a female mud-wrestling bout to finance a trip to Germany.
The event, which raised about $4,000 for the choir and drew 1,600 spectators, caused a small controversy in the district. Three school board members thought the sport improper for a high school and were disturbed that they had not heard of plans for it further in advance.
As a consequence, one member plans to introduce a rule that would require groups to outline their fund-raising activities in advance. But a motion to cancel the event was8p3defeated 4-3 by the board, and the show went on.
One wrestler, Thunderthighs, explained how the Mud Fever group had altered its act for the occasion. “Me and ‘Earthquake’ always wear the leotards for obvious reasons,” said the 350-pounder. “Tonight, though, all the girls are wearing them instead of two-piece bathing suits. And we’re not dancing as...uh...much. We just sort of toned down the act.”
Choir director Harry M. Dengler, who proposed the event to compensate for sagging hoagie sales and failed car-washes, said proceeds from the bout will help cover the cost of sending the 105-member singing group on a tour of Heidelberg, Germany, next spring.