The IHSAA has granted full recognition to Girls Wrestling and Boys Volleyball, which will begin in the upcoming school year. Both sports were previously part of the emerging sport process and have seen a significant increase in participation, with over 1,400 students involved in girls wrestling at 177 different schools, including those in the Tri-State area.
Mt. Vernon and Reitz high school have developed strong wrestling programs, with Reitz Wrestling Coach Scott Ferguson expressing excitement about the sport’s growth with IHSAA recognition. Ferguson believes that full recognition will help girls wrestling continue to expand, as more girls are inspired to join the sport. Junior Girls Wrestler Lili Greenfield also encourages others to give it a try, highlighting the fun and learning opportunities that come with participating in wrestling.
In addition to girls wrestling, boys volleyball was also added to the list of officially sanctioned IHSAA sports. This move reflects the growing popularity and participation in both sports, with the expectation that more schools and students will get involved in the upcoming fall season. The recognition of Boys Volleyball and Girls Wrestling as official sports by the IHSAA marks a significant milestone for both programs and sets the stage for continued growth and success in high school athletics.
The addition of full recognition for girls wrestling is especially meaningful as it provides a pathway for young female athletes to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone on to compete at the international level, including on Olympic teams. Coach Ferguson is optimistic that this newfound recognition will help attract more talent and resources to his program, enabling them to continue their winning ways.
Lili Greenfield is just one example of how girls wrestling can be both fun and educational. As a junior girl wrestler, she has learned valuable skills such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork through her training.
Boys volleyball is another popular sport that has now been granted full recognition by the IHSAA. With its emphasis on teamwork and strategy, it offers boys an exciting opportunity to showcase their athletic abilities while also developing important life skills.
Overall, these new recognitions mark an exciting time for high school athletics as they continue to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of students today.