After years of limited participation, Altoona welcomed girls to join the wrestling team.
“There were 22 girls that showed up for a meeting in the spring to show interest,” head wrestling coach Joel Gilbert said. “So we’ve decided to move forward and try to create a team.”
In previous years, the boys’ team has had one to two girls join, but it wasn’t until recently the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) began to sanction girls’ wrestling.
“Two years ago, it was sanctioned by the PIAA, and there were 100 programs across Pennsylvania that actually had girls wrestling, which inspired us to see if there was any interest.” Gilbert said.
At the first practice held Monday Nov. 18, seven girls showed up to practice.
“They’re going to be with the boys for now, but if we have 10 to 12 girls, then they’re going to be their own separate team, with their own separate schedule and everything. Until then though, they will be together,” Gilbert said.
Freshman Sarah Glenny is a new member of the girls’ wrestling team and has been practicing with the boys since last September.
“Last year, I joined wrestling because I thought it would be cool,” Glenny said.. “I wrestled with the guys, and I did whatever the guys did at the junior high.”
Glenny wants to become a leader for the girls this season.
“I want to cultivate what wrestling is about. Last year I went to States, so this year I want to go to States and at least win a match to try to place first for regionals,” Glenny said.
Gilbert will coach both the boys and girls.
“I don’t really see any difference at all, to be honest,” Gilbert said. “Some are pretty good, and some are still learning, but so am I. This is a stepping stone for me because I’ve never coached girls’ wrestling.”
The teams first match will be held on Dec. 12 against Chestnut Ridge.
“Right now the girls will be paired against each other until we figure out numbers, but I think it’s something different, and everybody should have an opportunity.” Gilbert said.
