HARRISBURG – Senator Scott Martin (R-13) has introduced a resolution designating March 21 as Pennsylvania Girls Wrestling Day in Pennsylvania in support of the ongoing efforts for the sport to be officially recognized by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA).
Senate Resolution 37 acknowledges the efforts of the grassroots SanctionPA movement for girls’ wrestling to be officially sanctioned by the PIAA. Girls’ wrestling has been the fastest-growing high school sport in the country over the past five years.
A majority of states currently sanction girls’ wrestling as a high school sport.
“Pennsylvania has a rich wrestling tradition that will only grow stronger with the official recognition of girls’ wrestling in the near future,” said Martin, who was a PIAA State Champion and National Heavyweight Wrestling Champion. “We can all look forward to seeing more girls take advantage of the opportunities associated with this great sport that allow individuals to achieve tremendous success in life.”
Martin also pointed out that JP McCaskey High School in Lancaster County was the first school in Pennsylvania to introduce girls’ wrestling as a team sport.
“Girls’ wrestling continues to gain popularity in Pennsylvania. Even during a challenging year we saw 30 percent growth in participation at the high school level,” said SanctionPA President Brooke Zumas. “Additionally, elementary and junior high teams are adding separate girls programs to accommodate the interest. Officially recognizing girls wrestling in our state will help to cement our strong reputation as a leader in the sport and trailblazer for equality in all sports.”
CONTACT: Terry Trego (717) 787-6535