Girls wrestling community looks ahead for growth in Nebraska
NEBRASKA -- After a social media post was made by a northeast Nebraska superintendent, the girls wrestling community is focused on one thing…growth.
On Tuesday, a social media post was made by current Plainview Superintendent Dr. Darron Arlt that has since been deleted, drawing attention from wrestlers across the state.
News Channel Nebraska reached out to Arlt for comment, but he was unavailable.
One girls wrestler took to social media giving a lengthy “tongue-in-cheek” apology, apologizing for the growth in the three years of girls wrestling in Nebraska and to anyone offended by girls wrestling.
With over 1,200 wrestlers competing last year and all NSAA districts agreeing to add Class B wrestling, the sport is rapidly growing throughout the state.
Potential re-workings could be on the horizon for the state wrestling championships and Nebraska NSWCA girls director Les Painter said everything is on the table.
“How awesome is it that we have to talk about it?" Painter said. "That’s the great part. Instead of being negative about it, we all need to look at this and say, ‘How awesome is it that we’re growing the sport of wrestling? Not boys, not girls but that we’re growing the sport of wrestling?”
Painter said regardless of rumors or hearsay, the focus should be on having conversations revolving around the growth of girls wrestling.
“We’re looking for growth, and I’m going to tell you right now, we’re at 1,600 and some girls right now," Painter said. "We’re going to blow 1,700 right out of the water.”
Three to four girls teams are anticipated to join the ranks next year.
After holding the duals in Pierce, Painter said he hopes in a couple years the NSAA will take over the state duals and hold the event.
Overall, Painter hopes the sport of wrestling will grow and wants everyone to understand that he will do everything he can to cultivate that growth.
“The opportunities are out there, at least we’re giving the girls the opportunities," Painter said. "You’re going to see the growth because of that.”