Middle School proposes girls wrestling season shift to promote participation

The regular meeting of the Weston County School District #1 Board of Trustees took place on April 30, 2025, focusing on various agenda items, including recognitions and a proposal for middle school girls' wrestling.

The meeting commenced with a welcome and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a motion to approve the agenda, which included a new business item regarding the posting of a food service director position. The motion was carried unanimously.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing various individuals and groups for their contributions. The leadership team was commended for their budgeting suggestions, and Joe Prowl received a certificate for becoming a certified school board member. Additionally, senior Celine Ramor was acknowledged for her achievements with the whirlwind dance studio, and several students were recognized as good citizens for the month.

Brandy highlighted the efforts of the Newcastle tree advisory board for their recent tree planting event, which included a time capsule. Other recognitions included school secretaries for their hard work and the lunch staff for their contributions during Lunch Hero Day. The board also acknowledged the success of students in various programs, including the Wyoming Department of Health's radon awareness campaign and the State FFA competition, where several students received awards.

The meeting then shifted to a proposal regarding the middle school girls' wrestling season. Carrie Murphy presented the idea of scheduling girls' wrestling from January to March, allowing students to participate in both wrestling and basketball. This change aims to increase participation and support the development of the wrestling program. The board discussed the potential costs associated with hiring coaches and the logistics of running separate tournaments for boys and girls.

The proposal received support from several board members, who noted that other districts had successfully implemented similar changes. The board agreed to discuss the proposal further and authorized the posting of coaching positions to facilitate the program's development.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the district's commitment to recognizing achievements and fostering inclusive sports opportunities for students. The board plans to follow up on the girls' wrestling proposal and continue supporting various educational and extracurricular initiatives.