The IHSAA has granted full recognition to Boys Volleyball and Girls Wrestling, beginning in the next academic year. These two sports were added to the emerging sport process in 2022, and since then, the state has seen an impressive increase in participation, with over 1,400 students involved in girls wrestling at 177 different schools, including those in the Tri-State area.
Mt. Vernon and Reitz high school have developed strong girls wrestling programs, with Reitz Wrestling Coach Scott Ferguson expressing excitement about the sport’s growth with IHSAA recognition. Coach Ferguson believes that full recognition will help girls wrestling continue to expand, as more young athletes are inspired to join the sport. Junior Girls Wrestler Lili Greenfield also encourages others to give it a try, highlighting the fun and learning opportunities that come with participating in wrestling.
In addition to girls wrestling, boys volleyball was also added to the list of officially sanctioned IHSAA sports. This move reflects the growing popularity and participation in both sports, with the expectation that more schools and students will get involved in the upcoming fall season. The recognition of Boys Volleyball and Girls Wrestling as official sports by the IHSAA marks a significant milestone for both programs and sets the stage for continued growth and success in high school athletics.
Boys Volleyball is a popular sport among young men, offering them an opportunity to showcase their skills on a competitive level while also providing them with valuable life lessons such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Meanwhile, Girls Wrestling is becoming increasingly popular among young female athletes who want to push themselves physically and mentally while also learning important skills such as self-defense and confidence-building.
The addition of these two sports to the IHSAA’s list of officially sanctioned sports is a testament to their growing popularity and participation levels among high school students. It is expected that more schools will get involved in both sports in the upcoming fall season, leading to increased competition and exposure for these talented young athletes.
Overall, this milestone marks an exciting time for high school athletics as more sports are recognized by the IHSAA. It provides opportunities for students to participate in new activities while also promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyles among young people.