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Cary Grove senior urges District 155 to establish an official girls wrestling team
Summary
A Cary Grove student told the school board the district should formally recognize a girls wrestling team to increase participation and create competitive opportunities for girls.
Denver Gere, a senior at Cary Grove High School, told the Crystal Lake Community High School District 155 board during public participation that the district should develop an officially recognized girls wrestling team so more girls can participate and compete.
Gere told the board she has wrestled since sixth grade and that the sport “changed my life,” but said she lacked same‑gender teammates and regular girls wrestling competition. “There’s still no official team, and it’s still not recognized by the district as a sport,” Gere said. “I honestly think that having a girls only team will help bring more girls in because they won't be intimidated by the idea of having to wrestle with boys.”
Why it matters: The student said a district‑recognized girls program would increase participation and tournament opportunities. The board acknowledged Gere’s accomplishments earlier in the meeting when staff recognized her as the first girl in the district to place at the IHSA girls state wrestling tournament.
The board offered congratulations and did not take formal action or set a next step during the public comment period. Gere concluded by urging expansion of opportunities as she graduates and leaves a legacy for future girls wrestlers.
Ending: The comment is on the record as a public request for program recognition; any administrative follow‑up would occur through future agenda items or staff reports.
