Indian Hills joins growing list of new wrestling programs
OTTUMWA, I.A. – – The trend showing growth in women’s wrestling programs steadily continues through the month of September. Indian Hills Community College announced plans to add both men’s and women’s wrestling programs, becoming Iowa’s first community college to add the sport for women.
IHCC’s Athletic Director Dr. Brett Monaghan said, “Women’s wrestling has seen tremendous growth and I wanted to ensure we are at the forefront of NJCAA schools providing this opportunity to young women looking to compete at the collegiate level while also seeking to start their post-secondary academic careers at a community college.”
Monaghan also noted that the programs hopeful start date for the fall of 2020 is “contingent on identifying the appropriate leader to come in this fall and begin recruiting and putting the pieces together to be able to begin in that time frame.”
This necessary point of clarity allows IHCC the flexibility and time to make adjustments to their strategic plan in an effort to ensure long term success. Program fit for coach and athletes are as much of a priority as speed when starting a new program—a lesson that can be learned from others that may have struggled with this scenario in less than successful first years.
In a state known for men’s wrestling, the interest and opportunities on the women’s side moves women one step closer to solidifying their place on the midwest wrestling map. Iowa has not yet sanctioned girls wrestling at the interscholastic level.
Indian Hills Community College becomes Iowa’s sixth school to offer collegiate women’s wrestling. Neighboring programs include Waldorf University, Grand View University, Iowa Wesleyan University and William Penn University. In-state proximity should lead to highly competitive duals, tournaments and rivalries.
Access the full press release, here.
