Battle in the Borough V set for Aug. 19 at Cribbs Field in Verona

Championships, bragging rights and basket raffles will be up for grabs as local pro wrestlers converge on a Verona park for a ring-rocking fundraiser.

Keystone State Wrestling Alliance superstars return to Cribbs Field for Battle in the Borough V on Aug. 19.

The tradition of songs and slams continues with performances by students of School of Rock South Hills.

Activities start at 3 p.m. Bell time is 6 p.m. Seven matches are on the card, and admission is $10.

Proceeds go to Verona Parks and Recreation for park upgrades and future community events.

The event is presented by Lower Valley Athletic Foundation.

“What I feel is more important than any amount of ticket sales or raffle sales, are the memories we are able to provide the people of this area,” said Vince Flotta Jr., Verona councilman and athletic foundation officer. “Memories of fun events that happen in their own town. I hope that kids will go to school and talk about all the cool events that happen during the summer in Verona and Oakmont. Those memories to me are priceless, and I hope that is what we are helping provide people.”

Lifelong Verona resident Ryan Alberts is scheduled to sing the national anthem.

In addition to the wrestling matches, activities include raffles to benefit the Verona Volunteer Fire Department, Lower Valley EMS and the Verona police bike derby.

Inner Groove Brewing will serve drinks from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Concession sales and 50/50 raffles benefit the athletic foundation.

“We try to add something new each year to try and keep it fresh and exciting for the town,” Flotta said. “We also do this to try and increase community involvement.”

Community involvement is a staple of the event, with wrestlers often taking their matches into the crowd. Several stars usually come out for autographs and photos during the mid-card intermission.

“Our fans, the Krazies, as well as all fans, can expect a fun-filled night of great KSWA action,” said Bobby Orkwis, wrestling promotion owner. “ ‘Wrestling the way you like it,’ as we like to say. For me, personally, and the megastars of the KSWA, it’s a great chance to interact with all of the fans in a great environment, which is what we love to do.”

Matches

• Kris Kash takes on Justin Sane.

• Former champs Shane Starr and Anthony Alexander compete to see who will move up the ladder for a future title fight.

• Three men enter and one will leave victorious in a triple-threat match between Edric Everhard, Dennis Gregory and Glenn Spectre.

• The Freak Show and “The Ram” Anthony Drake go against Tony Onyx, Hunter Huffman and Curly John.

• “Face of Pittsburgh” Lou Martin hopes history will repeat itself as he takes on Shawn Blanchard for the heavyweight title in a lumberjack match. Martin defeated Blanchard in Verona last year. Tides may turn with King Del Douglas in Blanchard’s corner.

• The Golden Triangle championship hangs in the balance in a ladder match between Tyler Grayson and Sin-Born. Sin-Born has everything to gain and nothing to lose, as his Five Start title is not on the line.

• The event culminates in what has become a Battle in the Borough trademark, an ambulance match. A winner is declared when a competitor is forced into the ambulance and the victor shuts the doors.

Only this time, stakes have doubled. Harley T. Morris and Johnny Norris will attempt to take the tag team titles from The Apex.

It is unclear what role Lower Valley EMS Chief Jamey Lavelle will play.

“(We’re) really looking forward to Battle in the Borough V,” Orkwis said. “This event has become bigger and better every year thanks to our friends at the Lower Valley Athletic Foundation and all of the sponsors.

“I’m sure there will be fantastic title defenses happening in Verona, along with other hard-hitting matches. And as always, a surprise or two involving some of the local supporters as well. It’s a great way to spend a summer evening.”

The card is subject to change. More information is available at kswa.net.