WINTER SPORTS Bowman wants wrestling back at Columbiana High School

He said a program called just for Kids Athletics can fund most of the sport.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
COLUMBIANA -- A former Columbiana High School wrestler wants to see the sport reinstated on the athletic department's winter schedule.
Dean Bowman told the school board Wednesday a nonprofit group organized to fund a varsity wrestling program at nearby Leetonia High School would foot most of the bill for wrestling at Columbiana if school officials agree.
Bowman said he approached Just for Kids Athletics about helping launch a varsity wrestling program at Columbiana High School.
The program did not take hold at Leetonia, but the group has the resources to fund a program for three years.
He said 32 students signed up the last three days of school, indicating interest in the sport.
Would provide funds
Bowman said Just for Kids Athletics would pay for equipment, three coaches, training supplies, uniforms, etc.
In exchange, the school district would provide transportation and register wrestling as an Ohio High School Athletic Association-sanctioned sport.
Gate receipts would go back into the program.
With OHSAA sanction, the teams have catastrophic insurance coverage and can participate in state tournaments, Bowman explained.
OHSAA rules, including grade-point-average requirements for athletes, would apply.
Wrestling would be a co-ed varsity sport operating about the same time as basketball season, he said.
Columbiana High School had wrestling teams from 1973 to 1988, he said, adding he was captain of the first team, and would like to see wrestling return.