Carter County Constables are gearing up for a wrestling championship the weekend of April 6, the first time in roughly five years they have been a recipient of the competition.

Elizabethton Councilman Kim Birchfield said they have been doing the championship for the past 40 years.

“We used to try to do it twice a year,” Birchfield said.

Birchfield said he and Constable Bobby Trivette came up with the idea to use the wrestling championship as a fundraiser roughly several years ago. By then, Evolution Championship Wrestling joined the team to assist in organizing the event.

“Constables are full-time law enforcement,” Trivette said. “We have to purchase all of our equipment ourselves.”

He said these costs can add up quickly. A single radio set can cost around $500.

Birchfield said he is especially passionate about the fundraiser aspect of the event.

“I take a special interest because I spent 30 years as an officer,” he said. “I am a retired chief of police.”

For the past few years, he said the wrestling event has taken place at Elizabethton High School, but this year’s event will take place at Hampton High School. The last time they did the event for the constables was at Happy Valley High School a few years ago.

“A lot of effort goes into this,” Birchfield said.

Among those participating in the championship include Don Wright and Wayne Rogers, famous names in the region.

He said none of the above matters more than its primary purpose.

“It is all about the constables’ needs,” he said. “We will do anything to help them out because they really need it.”

He said giving back to these volunteers is important because of the volunteer work they provide for the community.

“These guys help for nothing in return,” Birchfield said.

Tickets will be on sale at the door Saturday, April 6, and the championship will begin at 7 p.m. at Hampton High School, located at 766 1st Avenue in Hampton.

Tickets are roughly $5 apiece, and those already holding tickets can pay $5 to exchange them for ring seats. They said those who buy tickets at the door can also pay a small price to get these seats.