"I was writing to inform you how effective your program is for young boys.  My son is interested in your program because of one of your current members.   You can tell the program gives him something to look forward to.  I have actually been looking for something for my son to do.  He is an only child and he does not have an upstanding male figure in his life at the present time.  This program will give him the interaction he needs to help him develop life skills.  Thank you for suporting the neighborhood."

 Indya White, parent

"Maurice really enjoyed yesterday. I just want to thank you all for the program, he is really getting a lot out of this program. Thanks so much."

Tonya Adams-Macklin, parent

"Thank you very much for blessing the volunteers and the homeless with your love and willingness to serve.  It's people and kids like all of you that are a shining light in this dark world.  You made a difference!"

Kathy Albright, Meet Me Under The Bridge

"The Take Down Crime Wrestling program has helped my sons a lot.  It let one have something to do with extra energy and taught him how to be a part of a group.  The other son has something to do with his anger.  The boys have great change in their attitudes.  Please continue the program."

Joyce Logging, parent

"Thank you for inviting me to participate in your program.  You and your staff have done an outstanding job with providing these young people with an educational tool that will be of great value to them for the rest of their lives.  I was fortunate to have a coach like you when I started my career.  I still focus on what my coach taught me and I'm sure your students will do the same. Your results will show up one day when these kids become parents."

Bobby Douglas, US Olympic Wrestling Head Coach

"I strongly believe that a program that exposes youth to positive role models and messages, structure, and discipline is essential in developing solid life skills.  Take Down Crime is such a program."

Lloyd (Butch) Keaser, first African American to have won a World Championship and an Olympic Silver Medal in wrestling; currently a motivational speaker

"I have known Jim Tanniehill for forty years and you cannot find a better role model.  What can I do to help this program?"

Fran McCann, University of Notre Dame 

"I really like the things you guys are doing and I want to help as much as I can.  GOD places certain opportunities in front of us for various reasons.  Since my boys have joined the wrestling program I have been able to connect with them and spend time with them in a way I was unable to do before now."

Danyel Holmes, parent and Assistant Coach

"May God Bless Jim Tanniehill.  After viewing takedowncrime web site there is no other way to say Jim is doing God's work.  What a wonderful humanitarian."

Larry Marchionda, University of Wisconson Osh Kosh Titans Head Wrestling Coach

"My boys Matthew, Adam, and Zachariah Blume have been in the wrestling progam for almost two months.  Their grades have gone from "F"s to "D"s for Matthew, "D"s to "B"s and  "C"s for Adam, and from "F"s to "A"s and "B"s for Zachariah.  I really want to say thank you, Laura and the Coach and the rest of the team.  They really worked hard to get these grades in one semester.  Please keep all the good going on.  They are passing now again... I really want to thank everybody."

Robin Blume, parent

***Update, Matthew now has "A"s and "B"s with one "F" in math that he is currently getting help on.  Adam has all "B"s and one "A". 

"MSD of Pike Township has provided use of its facilities at Pike High School as a host of the Take Down Crime Program since May 2009.  I have attended and observed several of the functions within the program, including guest speakers and practices.  Their focus on crime prevention and positive life skills to at-risk children who face daily negative peer pressures has proved to be a great benefit to the participating students and the District as well.  It takes a community effort to mentor the youth of Indianapolis; we all share in this responsibility.  MSD of Pike Township is proud to recomend the Tanniehill Wrestling Academy Take Down Crime Program."

James Perkins, Jr., District Athletic & Wellness Director, MSD of Pike Township Schools

“Invest your money.  If you’re worried about our community and you’re worried about what our society needs and good people in our community, these are the programs you need to invest in, these are the ones that matter.  You know, you may not touch 5,000 kids, but the 500 you do touch over a few years, those are going to be good community citizens …. and it’s really what we need in Indy.  I think putting your money in that is money well spent.”

Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis Colts (when asked what he would say to businesses that are thinking about supporting Tanniehill Wrestling Academy or Take Down Crime)

“I think what you are doing here is great. I’ll definitely be back.  I’m looking forward to spending some time with you all.”

Kyle DeVan. Indianapolis Colts (when visiting  a practice)

"As any parent or coach knows, it takes a lifetime to teach our children how to do things the right way while it takes someone else about thirty seconds to teach them the wrong way to do things. That is why what Jim Tannehill and his staff are doing is so important. It needs your continued support. I have seen first hand the positive impact this program has had on the kids who have participated in it. Many of these children would have been 'lost to the streets' if it weren't for Jim and his staff. 

Take Down Crime hosted a tournament this year that was attended by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.  Having refereed for over 25 years, including hundreds of competitions in over 30 countries, I can say that this was the first time I have seen a mayor of any US city at a non-international event.  I believe the Mayor's support of this program shows just how very important it is to our city and the entire state of Indiana." 

Tom Clark                                                              Wrestling Referee                                                       2008 Olympic Games

USA Wrestling Officials Association Vice President