IWCOA Will Organize Girls State Championship Series

The Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA) announced today that it will be organizing a Girls State Championship Series for the 2018-19 school year.

They will be working with the Chicago Public Schools Championships to hold the event.

It marks a turning point in Illinois girl’s wrestling history. Until now, girls have been allowed to compete with and against boys. But last year, the Illinois High School Association declared girls wrestling an “emerging sport” — and a new era dawned.

“This is exciting and long overdue,” said Mike Powell, BTS Chicago executive director.

“Some of the hardest working, most dedicated wrestlers in the city are girls. They deserve their own state tournament. Kudos to those who dedicated their time and effort toward making this happen!”

Three sectional tournaments will be held on the weekend of January 19.

For more information, read the IWCOA’s full statement. (PDF)

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