Iowa Girls at Boys Wrestling Tournament - It's OK

Girls in Iowa are participating in State Tournament wresting contests. One high school boy said his religion kept him from wrestling a girl. She won the match by default. Local media, state-wide media and even national and international media are sharing in the smashing of hopes and dreams for these high school kids. If they came to wrestle, they should have come with one goal. That goal would be to do their best to win.

Iowa high school students, both boys and girls, compete very actively in a variety of sports. Iowa high school sports do not include girls' wrestling. Changes are made in Iowa high school sports as times and eras change. A couple decades ago girls' high school basket ball was changed from having 6 girls on the court with three girls playing only one side. Some thought that girls were not capable of competing in five girl, full court, basket ball games.

As all Iowans now know, it only took a couple of years and Iowa girls were competing very aggressively. Girls no longer sit back and watch.

Everywhere we are all encouraged to exercise and we're noting that girls and boys, alike, train diligently for whatever sport in which they participate. As life continues, more and more adults continue sports training.

So it is with wrestling. Maybe only a small percentage of girls would even care to tackle that tough one on one sport. But those who do, have no competitive challenges available at State level unless they compete with boys.

Why girls should be allowed to compete with boys in State Tournament Wrestling:

1. Everyone should have equal opportunity to participate at high school State levels if they are qualified.
2. Everyone participating should have one purpose - to win.
3. Wrestling is very much a personal contact sport. Perhaps if you don't like that, you're in the wrong arena.
4. There is no ruling that girls cannot compete with boys.
5. Parents, teachers, coaches etc. had apparently supported their child's participation in wrestling. They should encourage high-school kids, not persuade them one way or the other.

Maybe you think boys and girls should not be touching in this manner. Maybe you think girls should not even think of wrestling as a sport for them. Maybe you think that boys should let girls win. Maybe you think these girls are just out to make noise. Of course, that is your decision.

It's up to those who make the rules to have the guidelines and information sent out to all wrestlers, coaches and parents by next year. Denial of girls' ability, competitive feelings and purpose will not fix the issue.

Submission:
I live in Iowa.
I have granddaughters who excel in sports.
I note how much time and training is needed to excel.
I've read and heard much media info regarding this Iowa story.