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Students, coaches and board praise rapid growth of Saint Croix Central girls wrestling program
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Summary
Students and coaches told the Saint Croix Central School Board that a newly expanded girls wrestling program drew out-of-district athletes, produced notable tournament finishes and prompted requests for dedicated coaching positions as participation grows.
The Saint Croix Central School Board heard students and coaches describe a fast-growing girls wrestling program that the presenters said has begun to draw families into the district.
Coaches and student athletes told the board the district started a middle-school girls season before Christmas and fielded 17 middle-school participants this year, while nine competed at the high-school level. Coach (speaker 7) highlighted results including a fourth-place finish at the Somerset tournament, first at an Oakland Regis event and second at the regional meet, and said four athletes qualified for sectionals, with Ada Miller advancing to state and finishing second.
Board members heard several students share why they joined. "It was honestly one of the scariest things I've done walking into a room full of guys," said Caden Strudel (speaker 11), who said wrestling made them feel more part of a team. Other students described moving from middle- to high-school competition and encouraged continuing the girls-only season as a welcoming entry point.
Presenter comments also tied the program to recruitment: one speaker (speaker 10) said eight students had open-enrolled into Saint Croix Central, three of them female, and that three families had relocated into the district to take advantage of opportunities such as the girls program. The presenters asked the board to consider adding dedicated coaching positions—one at middle school and one at high school—to provide stable staffing rather than relying heavily on volunteers and parents juggling jobs.
Why it matters: Board members said the program not only shows athletic success but also supports enrollment and community engagement. Several members praised the coaches and students for building what they described as a program that helps retain and attract families.
The board offered thanks and encouragement; no formal action was taken on staffing during the meeting. Presenters said they will continue to develop schedules, fundraising and partnerships to sustain the program.
