North Polk to Launch Girls Wrestling Program

Each school year brings new opportunities. But this year, North Polk is celebrating something unprecedented—a historic first for our district and our student-athletes.

This spring, the North Polk School Board officially approved the launch of a girls wrestling program, set to begin this coming winter. 

Girls wrestling has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, and Iowa is leading the charge. In 2022, girls wrestling was officially sanctioned by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU), opening doors for athletes across the state to compete at the highest levels.

Now, it’s North Polk’s time.

“We’ve had incredible athletes represent this school while wearing another district’s singlet,” said Coach Stender, the current boys wrestling coach. “That changes next season.”

The approval of girls wrestling isn’t just purely about competition, it’s about opportunity. For the first time, female athletes at North Polk will have the chance to represent their school in a sport uniquely their own.

“This is more than a new sport,” said Coach Stender. “It’s a new opportunity for our athletes to compete, grow, and represent our school and our colors.”

Already, North Polk athletes have proven themselves on the mat, however, in other districts' colors. With the foundation now in place, the next chapter will be written in Comet red and black.

“The next state champ? She’ll be wearing our colors,” said Elyse Engebretson.

North Polk Girls Wrestling will officially take the mat in the winter season. Preparations are already underway, with excitement building across the district.

North Polk Girls Wrestling. Coming this winter. It’s our time.