Takedown Report

A first for Maine: Girls get their own state wrestling tournament

Maine joins growing trend in high school sports

Maine will join a growing group of states to sponsor a separate girls’ high school wrestling championship when its inaugural state meet is held Wednesday at Penobscot Valley High in Howland. More than 60 girls, representing nearly 30 schools, are expected to compete in eight weight classes. “I like it because there are a lot of disadvantages going against guys, and it’s also a lot of fun and you can meet new people,” said Skowhegan sophomore Rachel Tuck, a third-year wrestler who plans to compete in the 132-pound weight class after posting a 22-17 record at 126 during the season.
Patrick Casten, the meet director and a wrestling official, saw the need for a sanctioned state championship after officiating the unofficial girls’ states held by Maine USA Wrestling. “I saw how it was a good tournament and it felt like a legitimate event, and I also believe it’s good for young women to get confidence at an early age, and wrestling can be an instant confidence booster,” Casten said. …..
According to USA Wrestling, 14 states are sponsoring girls’ high school championships this season, up from six states just two years ago. Oregon, Georgia, Missouri and Massachusetts are other states holding a girls’ championship for the first time this season.
……… Participation rates in high school wrestling for girls has grown nationally every year since 1990. Between 2016-17 and 2017-18 – the last two years of data from the National Federation of State High School Associations – the sport had a 13 percent growth.
….. An Olympic sport since 2004, women’s wrestling also is growing at the collegiate level, with 48 programs. Rest of the story and details at https://www.timesrecord.com/articles/sports/a-first-for-maine-girls-get-their-own-state-wrestling-tournament/?mc_cid=00da07afd4&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

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February 24, 2019 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized