District athletic director outlines proposal to add girls wrestling; board weighs costs and participation

Mr. Graham, the district’s athletics representative, proposed formally adding girls wrestling to the district’s winter sports offerings, presenting participation data, Title IX considerations and a planning budget.

Graham said preliminary signups this past winter included nine high‑school girls and 13 junior‑high girls indicating interest, although only a smaller group ultimately participated this season (four at the high school level and three at junior high). He told the committee that in the local league context the sport is growing: "Currently in the state, there's 243 schools that sponsor girls wrestling," he said, noting growing adoption in nearby districts and the potential for league play and postseason opportunities.

On cost, Graham described the packet number as a 'worst-case' planning figure that would cover coaches, tournament registrations, travel, uniforms, officials and supplies if participation were high. Board members asked whether the program would require a head coach and assistant immediately; Graham said initial staffing could start small and scale up as participation grows but ultimately the girls program would mirror existing coach complements once rosters warrant.

Board members discussed sequencing and sustainability — adding a winter sport has less overlap with existing fall offerings and may draw new participants without cannibalizing other teams. They also raised questions about budgeting and how unused appropriations would be handled; Mrs. Hobbs said unspent appropriations would impact year‑end fund balance if not used.

Next steps: the board will consider the program request in budget discussions and may return with a formal motion and staffing plan if the committee and board choose to proceed.