Wrestling has been added as a school sport at Salem Community High School. The board approved the addition following a three year successful program that saw the sport run by volunteers.
Tyler Vincent who has led the effort notes 34 students are now involved, many who do not participate in other sports. He also noted several students have received scholarships. In moving for the approval, Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering commended the work of Vincent as well as coaches Rob Ring and Bryan Camp.
“They’ve done a lot of work in order for that program to really develop,” Detering said. “They’ve put a lot of time, effort, and fundraising in, and that’s why the program has been as successful as it has been. They’ve basically shown proof of concept, and so the school board has been willing and managed to pick it up.”
Detering says the exact expenses of the program the school district would pay still needed to be worked out.
Vincent said they would continue to help with fund raising and noted some of the costs could be covered by holding tournaments that would make money. He says a large expense of purchasing two wrestling mats has already been completed by the volunteer group.
In personal action, the board employed Connor Brooks as boys’ assistant basketball coach, Randall Knaak as girls’ assistant basketball coach, and Levi Quinn as a volunteer assistant girls basketball coach.
The board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Salem Community High School Education Association and Support Personnel Association that noted the school district made a 13th health insurance payment for them without cost. The extra payment was required for the Egyptian Insurance Trust to cover a large deficit.
