A win for local student wrestlers came Thursday at a meeting of the Norfolk Public Schools Board of Education.
The council approved women’s wrestling as a pilot program for the 2021-22 school year.
John Erwin, director of activities, said that once the Nebraska Schools Activities Association accepted women’s wrestling as a licensed sport in May, Norfolk coaches began discussing bringing it into the district.
While some female students have had the opportunity to wrestle in clubs or with the NPS middle and high school boys programs, they have never had a chance to wrestle with other competing women before.
“I think it probably stopped some girls from dating,” Erwin said. “I think we will see the number increase. At the moment, with girls only fighting boys, it’s not necessarily right for them either. “
The girls’ program will coincide with that of the boys this winter. It will have a district and state contest.
Creating a program for girls makes sure that girls can no longer compete with boys in the future.
“We all know very likely that a man of the same weight will be stronger than a woman of the same weight,” said Sandy Wolfe, chairman of the board, at Thursday’s meeting. “I like to think that Norfolk is a leader and if we can afford it, I say go.”
Erwin said there will be an increase in costs for the girls’ program, but the higher price will be for a possible future coach.
Twelve girls attended junior high last year and 15 to 20 were at the wrestling club. While there is no need for a new manager at this time, if these numbers are to be carried over to the new NPS program, it may be necessary to hire another manager in the future.
A coach’s wife volunteers for the rest of the year to help with the girls’ program.
Travel expenses will not be that high because girls will try to travel as much as possible with the boys program. But the district only has 10 women’s tank tops, so it should buy more depending on interest.
Nebraska is the 33rd state to implement women’s wrestling, Erwin said. More than 100 schools currently have a program, including about half of the A-grade schools.
“I am very grateful that our administration and school board have approved women’s wrestling at Norfolk High School,” said Justin Gray, head wrestling coach, in a press release. “Our coaches are looking forward to developing a competitive program for girls. We want to encourage all girls to try sport this year at all levels. This is a big win for our sport and for Norfolk High School. “
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