Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
The Clintonville Board of Education voted Monday to allow the high school wresting program to continue for at least two more years although it does not comply with the school district’s participation policy.
Thirteen students competed in wrestling this year. The season concluded in March. District policy dictates that the program be dropped unless at least 14 students participate.
A couple dozen wrestlers, their parents and coaches attended the past two board meetings in support of the program.
“Wrestling has always been an up and down throughout the years, and the rules handed down by the WIAA change every year,” Clintonville High School coach Justin McAuly said.
McAuly said he was optimistic about the program’s future because of the larger number of youngsters participating in the youth wrestling club.
Students at Marion High School can join the team in a co-op arrangement that also could boost numbers, he said.
McAuly said he found of 70 of the 147 high schools in the state that offer wrestling have teams with fewer than 21 members.
He also said some wrestlers quit the program because they didn’t like wearing the singlets, or one-piece uniforms. He said he expects the WIAA to eventually go to a two-piece uniform.
Eric Joren, president of the youth wrestling organization, said he was concerned the program would fall by the wayside if wrestling was dropped at the high school.
The board will review participation in the high school program again in two years.