Girls Wrestling Approved As Hatboro-Horsham High Sport

HATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —The Hatboro-Horsham School District is capitalizing on one of the fastest-growing high school sports in the state.

During his report at Monday's Hatboro-Horsham School Board meeting, Schools Superintendent Scott Eveslage said the school board approved the adoption of a girls wrestling team at the high school that will begin competing in the 2023-24 winter sports season. The vote was unanimous.

"It's one of the fastest-growing sports in the state," Eveslage said.

"Hatboro-Horsham High School has a history of girls who have excelled in wrestling," the superintendent added. "Our girls have competed since 2001. By formally starting a program, this will only provide more opportunities for our girls who are interested in pursuing wrestling."

Eveslage said that by starting a team, girl wrestlers will be able to compete in tournaments against other girls instead of wrestling boys in their same weight class.

In May, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association —which governs high school sports in the state —voted to begin sponsoring girls wrestling as an official sport.

It was placed under the PIAA’s jurisdiction in July.

The superintendent thanked Principal Dennis Williams and High School Athletic Director Chas Cathers, who is pursuing potential candidates for the coaching position.

Eveslage also presented the district's enrollment in his report.

The enrollment report for September showed 4,189 students attending district schools, down 45 from the previous year. There are 1,853 students spread throughout the four elementary schools, 990 students at Keith Valley Middle School, and 1,346 students at the high school.