Parents and students urge Poquoson schools to support girls wrestling; coaches cite facility and staffing needs

Students, parents and coaches urged the Poquoson City School Board on Jan. 21 to start and support a girls high school wrestling program, citing recent sanctioning by the Virginia High School League and growing local participation.

The request came during public comment. David Haywood, a Poquoson resident and parent, said girls’ participation in wrestling has increased nationwide and asked whether the district had “looked into what it would take to accommodate a female on the wrestling squad.” He noted his daughter would be eligible for junior varsity next year and that youth-level female competitors in the community include state champions.

Why it matters: Board members said the district could not decide alone on facility upgrades and suggested practical next steps — building interest, contacting the athletic director and starting a club — rather than immediately promising construction or schedule changes. Coaches and parents said a girls team could begin if the district can provide locker and bathroom access and at least one certified coach to travel to matches.

Details from speakers: Sixth-grader Caitlin Cross said, “I won states last year,” and argued that a girls team and a dedicated space would help recruit more female athletes. Seventh-grader Mason Haywood described wrestling as a multi-sport opportunity and said matching girls with opponents close in size is difficult under the current arrangements. Youth coach and parent Brandon Cross said the school’s wrestling room is “very outdated” and noted Poquoson’s long wrestling tradition, citing state championships and individual champions. He added that a varsity girls team can be formed with just one girl but stressed the need for locker-room and bathroom accommodations and at least one paid coach for travel. Derek Goodson, a wrestling coach, offered to volunteer as a coach to help the transition.

District and board response: Several board members thanked the students and parents for the presentation and suggested concrete steps: contact the athletic director, consider forming a school club to demonstrate participation, and bring documentation to VHSL if required. Chair and board members repeatedly praised the speakers’ preparation and recommended following the procedural route (athletic director, club formation, facility planning) rather than immediate facility commitments.

Next steps and limitations: No formal motion or vote to start a girls wrestling program was recorded in the transcript. Board members encouraged petitioning, building participation numbers and working with the athletic director; they also noted future facility improvements (referenced in broader improvement planning) could include new athletics spaces but any timeline or funding was not specified.