The Salem Community High School board room Monday night was full of supporters to start wrestling as a high school sport.
Tyler Vincent who is one of the organizers of the youth wrestling program told the school board they have the money to finance the sport for the first three years as required by the school board.
“Last time we were here we really didn’t have anything established as far as mats or financial stability. Right now we have money in the bank to buy a brand new competition mat that we were planning on using for competitions only unless we had so many kids that we needed to use it for practice. We are also going to look at buying brand new practice mats. We are also looking at off site practice facility and looking to sign a lease at St Theresa in April for a year so we have gym space.”
Vincent says they also have money to reimburse the school district for transportation costs and to provide all needed equipment for each wrestler.
He expects at least 20 students to participate in the winter sport. Vincent noted there are fewer students participating in current winter sports than spring and fall and the sport may attract those who are too small to play other sports since wrestling competition is done by weight class. He reported the IHSA checks on participants to make sure they do not do crash dieting or something to hurt their health by trying to become eligible at a lower weight class.
Vincent noted wrestling would also be offered to interested female students, but as of now none are signed up. He reports it is also possible for females to wrestle against males.
Vincent presented a long list of high schools that currently wrestle. In addition to dual matches against one school, tournaments against multiple schools can be held. Vincent said after the heavy expenses of getting started the first year, the youth wrestling club would like to donate money to the Salem High School
Booster Club that could help all sports.
Salem High School Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering said the item was placed on the agenda Monday night for discussion only. After the school board members have a chance to review the material, there will be additional discussion at the March meeting where a vote is anticipated on starting the sport.
