The IHSAA has granted full recognition to Boys Volleyball and Girls Wrestling, starting from the next school year. These two sports were previously part of the emerging sport process and have seen remarkable growth in participation. In 2022, there were 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 girls wrestling programs, with Reitz Wrestling Coach Scott Ferguson expressing excitement about the sport’s growth with IHSAA recognition. Coach 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.
Boys Volleyball has grown rapidly over recent years, with many schools adding it to their athletic offerings. This move by the IHSAA recognizes this growth and provides a pathway for young male athletes to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone on to compete at international levels, including on Olympic teams.
Girls wrestling has also seen tremendous growth over recent years, with many schools adding it to their athletic offerings. The addition of full recognition by the IHSAA is expected to further boost participation levels and provide young female athletes with an exciting opportunity to pursue their passion for wrestling.
Overall, these two additions are a testament to the growing popularity of high school athletics and provide opportunities for young athletes from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams while learning valuable skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.