ROYAL CITY — The Japanese cultural exchange wrestling team will be here soon, and Royal High wrestling coach Randy Miller is still seeking help to make the stay of the wrestlers comfortable and enjoyable.

The Japanese cultural exchange team will be here from Jan. 4-6. They will wrestle against high school all-stars from the Basin and tour the area to learn about life in America.

“We need to build up our funding to support our Japanese guests,” Miller said. “We are hoping to raise $1,000 for transportation and meal costs.”

“This event is very special to host.,” he added, “so we are hoping that everyone can make plans to attend the matches.

If you are able to aid this cause, please donate to: gofundme.com/x59h7trk. There will also be donation jars at Harvest Foods in Royal.

“Just a little from many will make the event something that Royal will be proud of,” Miller said.

In other wrestling news, Miller noted that former Royal High wrestler Carlos Hernandez had a good weekend wrestling for his college in Spokane.

Saturday he wrestled a double dual at Cheney Middle School, going 2-1. One of his wins was against a Central Washington University conference champ last year.

Sunday Hernandez wrestled in the college Big Foot Tournament in Spokane and went 1-2.

“He dropped down a weight to 133 pounds and plans to drop to 125 pounds in the next couple of weeks,” Miller said. “At that weight he will be the bigger opponent, which is very important at the college level.”

“If he keeps putting in the time needed, I believe Carlos will develop into a good college wrestler,” Miller added. “The Royal Wrestling Club is proud of his hard work on the wrestling mat and in the classroom.”