Takedown Report

Delaware State Hosting Free All-Girls Wrestling Clinic

Delaware State is hosting a free all-girls clinic on August 19 with Olympians Toccara Montgomery and Randi Miller.

DOVER, Del. — Delaware State University in collaboration with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Wrestling Initiative (HBCUW), Wrestle Like a Girl (WLAG), the Black Wrestling Association (BWA), and Division I Women’s Wrestling (D1WW), announces it will host an All Girls Wrestling Clinic next month.

Guiding this empowering clinic are Olympians, Toccara Montgomery and Randi Miller. Montgomery was the first Black woman to win a medal at the World Championships for the United States, seizing a silver in 2001 in her debut Senior World Championships appearance. She also secured another silver in 2003, competed in the 2002 World Championships, and made history as the first Black woman to wrestle for the United States in the Olympics, finishing seventh in 2004, the year women’s wrestling was introduced to the Olympic Games.

Following Montgomery’s achievements, Randi Miller, a native of Arlington, Texas, became the first Black woman and Texan to win an Olympic medal (bronze) in women’s wrestling during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She was the sole Black woman to win a medal in USA Wrestling until fellow Texan Tamyra Mensah-Stock captured gold in 2021.

Aimed at expanding opportunities for young women in wrestling, DSU Athletic Director, Alecia Shields-Gadson, shared, “Delaware State University (DSU) proudly presents the groundbreaking “All Girls Wrestling Clinic,” a transformative event that champions access and opportunity for aspiring female wrestlers. In collaboration with esteemed organizations such as HBCUW, WLAG, BWA, and D1WW, this clinic aims to empower young women with the skills, confidence, and support needed to thrive in the world of wrestling. Join us as we pave the way for a future where gender barriers crumble, and every girl’s passion for wrestling is nurtured and celebrated.”

Jahi Jones, Executive Director of HBCU Wrestling Initiative, expressed his enthusiasm about the growing interest in girls’ wrestling and the event’s potential. “Girls wrestling is the fastest-growing sport on the high school level,” Jones noted. “I am incredibly excited about the prospect of adding opportunities for women to compete at the highest level while still experiencing the rich cultural offerings that HBCUs provide to their students.”

Further emphasizing the significance of women’s wrestling, Lori Ayres, Founder D1 Women’s Wrestling shared, “The sport of wrestling builds leaders. With over 50,000 high school girls wrestling in the 2022-2023 season, there are plenty of athletes hungry for opportunities on D1 campuses.  It’s a big deal that Delaware State University is opening up its doors like this and they’re smart to do it now A press release from several national wrestling organizations earlier this year stated that women’s wrestling has met the criteria to begin to move from NCAA emerging sports status to championship status. All D1 institutions would be wise to familiarize decision-makers with women’s wrestling. Bravo to Delaware State University for being curious about the sport and its potential for empowering women.”

The clinic is part of a larger vision, and it signifies an important step in creating a vibrant and inclusive wrestling community around campus. DSU, along with its partners, believes that fostering leadership through sports like wrestling contributes to holistic student development and will produce leaders who have the potential to change the trajectory of their families, community, and country for the better. … rest of story at … Flowrestling.org/articles/11156682-delaware-state-hosting-free-all-girls-wrestling-clinic

July 27, 2023 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized