DOWNEY – Downey High School wrestling coach Miguel Soto is creating an all-girls wrestling program. 

In the past, there have been 3-4 girls wrestling at Downey each year on the boy’s team. With the growing interest of wrestling, however, it is time to move forward and grow this sport. 

According to Coach Soto, “many schools now have large numbers of girls participating on wrestling teams and have started to separate the girls from the boys.” Girl’s wrestling now has a C.I.F. sanctioned season embedded in the boy’s wrestling season.

Wrestling competes via weight classes. Wrestling is the perfect equalizer sport because an athlete may not be quick enough to play soccer or may not be tall enough to play basketball. Wrestling is the perfect sport because it gives student-athletes of all sizes and athletic abilities an opportunity to participate. In order for this program to grow, more potential girl wrestlers are needed.

There will be an information meeting at Downey High School on April 6 in the theatre after school when students come back from spring break. Coach Soto and his staff are looking forward to a big turnout and hope to see those interested in attendance. Coach Soto can be contacted with further questions at msoto@dusd.net.