CORAOPOLIS, Pa. — Family and friends of Jayden Anderson are planning to honor his memory with a wrestling tournament Sunday at The Greater Pittsburgh Sports Complex in Coraopolis.
Anderson was just 13 years old when he was killed in a car crash in April 2022.
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“It’s very hard to explain what parents go through unless you’ve been through it and I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy,” mom Heather Laidella said.
He was a four-sport athlete but his mom remembers him as a gentle giant with a heart as big as his 6-foot frame.
Sunday’s tournament will kick off a scholarship fund to help send seniors to college and benefit local sports programs in need.
“We put tournaments on every year and, since this happened, [...] it was always a goal to put on the Jayden Anderson Memorial Tournament,” Randy Mort said. He coached Jayden at Phoenix Wrestling Club.
It’s a fitting tribute to a teenager who loved sports and spreading kindness.
“I want [the tournament] to get as big as he was and his heart was,” Heather said.
11 News learned that 10% of revenue is earmarked for the scholarship fund. So far, more than 250 wrestlers have signed up.
Registration is still open through 6 p.m. Saturday. You can find more information here.
There is also merchandise for sale. $5 from each purchase will go to the scholarship fund.
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