SPORTS WRAP
“That’s a pretty big win.”
Owatonna High School wrestling coach Derek Johnson is excited about a June announcement from the Minnesota State High School League of expansion to the girls’ portion of the state wrestling tournament to 16-person brackets.
“We’ve been petitioning for a few years to expand that. Yes, Class A, AA and AAA are still altogether for girls just based on participation. But at least this year (2025-26 school year) Section One…will be its own tournament and will send two girls (per weight class).”
Previously two sections would combine and qualify two girls to state per weight. The girls tournament has been an eight-wrestler bracket since its inception.
The revised schedule adds a half day to the tournament which will span four days. League President Don Peschel states, “The growth in girls wrestling is incredible to witness.”
Aliah Fischer, Isabelle Townley and McKayla Selle represented the Huskies at state last season. OHS had seven girls compete in sections.
The girls tournament will remain single class, compared to three classes for the boys. Johnson can see that changing too. “At the rate the sport is growing, I don’t think it’s out of the question that in five years the numbers will be showing that.”
More growth is needed. He cited the Big Nine Conference girls tournament this past season with some brackets having just a girl or two. “It’s not evenly distributed quite yet.”
Johnson says recruiting is ramping up across the state. “There’s not really a formula yet. Everyone’s trying to figure out how to increase participation numbers. Some things that are definitely drumming up more interest are having “hey-come-try-it” practices for girls only.
“The more girl wrestlers that can be promoters of the sport the better.”
He says the original approach of being “tough enough” to compete with the boys isn’t for everyone. “Not every potential girls wrestler wants to hear that you’ve got to go through a crucible like that. So, we’re trying to make it as fair and accommodating as possible to help introduce the sport to families that may not be familiar,” said Johnson.
He believes Owatonna is on the right track. “We’ve been ahead of the curve in terms of the skill level. The participation numbers are the target. We’re not top five in the state in total number of girls wrestling. Every single year we’re trying to think of how to increase that.”
Summer weekly open mat times on Wednesdays at the high school start with girls only from 6-7 p.m. and all wrestlers from 7-8:30 p.m.
Owatonna Wrestling Association is hosting a series of day camps this summer for all wrestlers. Featured clinicians include OHS grads Peyton and Cael Robb and Landen Johnson. A girls-only camp is likely. Watch the OWA Facebook page or website for details.
Fischer and Kayla Pastika are on the state-based dual meet team this summer. Local wrestlers may also compete in the freestyle and Greco-Roman nationals in Fargo this month.
Strike out hunger
The Owatonna Aces are hosting Strike Out Hunger in Steele County on Wednesday, July 9 when they entertain the Waseca Braves at 7:30 p.m. at Dartt’s Park. Free admission to the game with a non-perishable food item or clothing donation to Community Pathways.