Women’ division to debut at W.Va. state wrestling match in 2024

MORGANTOWN — For the primary time ever, feminine wrestlers can have their very own division on the West Virginia State Excessive College wrestling match starting in 2024.

Beforehand, the Women State Wrestling match was held in the course of February in Parkersburg. Women might then take part in regionals in an try to qualify for the state match that hosts everybody.

Going ahead, the ladies will get pleasure from their very own division with the choice of both taking part within the all-girls bracket or wrestling as a member of the staff with out the choice of doing each.

With women’ wrestling being one of many fastest-growing sports activities within the nation, this inclusion permits women within the Mountain State to showcase their expertise in entrance of extra individuals, together with their teammates and coaches, a few of whom wouldn’t have been in a position to have the time to be on the women’ state match to cheer on their teammate.

Morgantown Excessive College head wrestling coach, Joe Abu-Ghannam says merely that illustration issues.

“It’s implausible that these feminine wrestlers will get the publicity that they deserve,” he stated. “With women wrestling being the quickest rising sport within the nation, it is necessary that they get this acknowledgment. Now they’ve a correct platform to place their expertise, laborious work and dedication on full show for all to see. It is a win for the game, our state, and, most significantly, the feminine athletes of West Virginia.”

College Excessive College head coach Ken Maisel echoed his counterpart, saying one instance he observed of the expansion of the game got here in Fargo, North Dakota this summer time at one of the crucial prestigious tournaments in prep wrestling.

“The ladies’ participation had grown by round 400 p.c or one thing,” Maisel stated. “It’s unquestionably rising and it’s nice that the ladies will be capable of take part on the state match. They’ve had it earlier than, however now they get to indicate what they’ve in entrance of lots of people and within the enviornment somewhat than a gymnasium.”

The 2024 state wrestling match is scheduled to happen from Feb. 29 by means of March 2 at Mountain Well being Enviornment in Huntington. The ladies’ division will wrestle on Saturday whereas the boys are doing wrestle-backs, and can then have their spot within the championship finals later within the night on Saturday. This additionally consists of strolling within the Parade of Champions previous to the finals matches.