Middle School Saves The Day. Wrestling Team Feed The Masses. Mountain Force Gives Back.

Mountain Force President & Promoter, Juan Pablo poses with Rick Stimpson (in green) along with West Minico Middle School Wrestling Coaches after presenting donation check.  Photo courtesy of Polo Aguayo

Burley Idaho. Dec 30, 2019.
Johnny Moreno


Two weeks til Fight Night and Mountain Force 14 (MTF 14) is venueless.
The event was scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2019 and was to be hosted at College of Southern Idaho or CSI Mini Cassia Extension Campus in Burley, Idaho. However, due to some scheduling concerns and other undisclosed factors, Mountain Force was left with no venue to host MTF 14.

Mountain Force's President & Promoter, Juan Pablo said he went into deep panic mode when he found out that "we couldn't hold our event there any more." He further explained that he had to quickly scramble to see what venues in the area were available on the day the event was scheduled. "The list of places were next to nothing. Everywhere we searched or called were booked."

With the assistance of  Pete Nunez & Hector Castro, local gym owners & coaches at Full Force MMA in Burley, Juan explained that they searched high and low, even in Twin Falls.

One venue in Twin Falls was large enough & available on the day they needed it. But Juan's priority was to try and keep it in the Burley/Rupert area. The Twin Falls venue would be the last resort.  During this time, West Minico Middle School in Paul Idaho was proposed as a possible venue to host MTF 14. Paul Idaho is about 10 minutes North of Burley City on Highway 27.

In order to host the event at the middle school, it would first need to be approved by the Minidoka school board. "At this time, I was saying my prayers that our event will get approved," Juan said. "All the marketing, promotions, and sales were centered around this fight night being on December 7 in Burley or nearby towns like Paul or Rupert. This would totally save us on cost if we don't have to move it outside of the Burley area."

The word came back that the school board approved the event. "I was so happy & relieved. I want to thank Rick Stimpson, wrestling coach & school board member, for being our advocate before the school board. With so many misconceptions about MMA and MMA events, Rick was instrumental in putting his fellow board members concerns at ease.  Also a big thank you to Pete Nunez and Hector Castro for reaching out to Rick," Juan said.

Force Fans pack the West Minico Middle School gymnasium for MTF 14 to begin.
Photo courtesy of Polo Aguayo

Juan mentioned that they had to make some adjustments to how many seats were now available given a smaller venue. "We lost some seats but I was just happy that we found a home for MTF 14, that it was in the general vicinity of CSI Burley campus, and that the show was going to happen on the date we planned and promoted."

The show went on as schedule.  It was a sold out show according to Juan. "We had to discontinue selling tickets hours before doors opened. I think everyone there had a great time. The fight bouts were amazing. The fighters put on a great performance for their fans, family, and friends.  The crowd was by far one of the most energetic & loudest crowd at a Mountain Force event. Can't forget the Idaho Army National Guard Push Up Contest. That was intense. It was a great fight night."

Force Fans participate in the half time Idaho Army National Guard Push Up Contest at MTF 14.
Photo courtesy of Polo Aguayo

Not only did the West Minico Middle School save the day, the West Minico Middle School Wrestling Team played a role in contributing to the event as well. The wrestling team was given the opportunity to sell concession goods to general admissions and was contracted by Mountain Force to feed all VIP guests. Food items and ingredients were donated by local restaurants and caterers.

"With our VIP program, each VIP ticket includes a hot catered meal from a local caterer and Pepsi & Rockstar Drinks who sponsor our fights," Juan said. "A lot of force fans rave about our VIP meal program because they don't have to go out to eat before coming to our fight events. They can kill two birds with one stone."

Juan said it felt great to give West Minico Middle School Wrestling Team the opportunity to cater the VIP food. All proceeds that were raised from catering & concessions went to benefit the team-travel, uniform, fees, etc.  According to Rick Stimpson, they are able to afford a checklist of items needed for the 2020 wrestling season.

Force Fans in VIP mingle & feast at West Minico Middle School gymnasium before MTF 14 commence.
Photo Courtesy of Polo Aguayo

At the end of the night & before the main event, Juan Pablo, who was also the cage announcer, expressed his gratitude to sponsors, the athletic commission and officials, fighters, and force fans. He then called up Rick and his fellow wrestling coaches to the cage and presented them with a check for $2000.00 for the middle school facility; of which $1800 was donated. The regular day rental rate is $200.

Debut fighter, Axel Alonzo, thanks his fans, family & friends during post fight win interview.
Photo courtesy of Polo Aguayo

When asked if Mountain Force will return to Burley, Juan said yes. He went on to say "we are looking to return Fall 2020. I think the Mini-Cassia community would like us back. They have some of the most dynamic fighters in the area & some of the loudest fight fans in the region. I really admire how the fans, family, and friends rally behind their fighters like no other I have seen in other areas we host mma and kickboxing events. I'm grateful for everyone's contribution on what I think was a successful night. In the end, everyone involved came away with a win."