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LAKELAND WRESTLING: Accusations don’t reflect reality

| January 29, 2025 1:00 AM

We are incredibly proud of the efforts our coaches have put into building the girls wrestling program at Lakeland High School. When we started this year, we had 10 girls sign up, and while we are currently down to eight, we have seen significant progress. For the “Battle for the Paddle” competition, we only had three athletes eligible to compete — four were injured and one was ineligible. Of the three who were eligible, only two felt comfortable stepping onto the mat, as many of our athletes are in their first year of wrestling.

Our coach, showing great respect for the athlete who was unsure, decided not to pressure her into competing, understanding that it’s crucial for the girls to feel confident and supported in their growth.

It’s important to note that while our program has grown substantially — doubling in size over the last year — the current challenges we face have unfortunately led to some misunderstandings. Some individuals may not fully grasp the strides we’ve made, and the accusations being made don’t reflect the reality of the situation. 

Lakeland High School’s wrestling program has long been recognized as one of the most successful and respected programs across the state, and we are committed to continuing to set an example for how we train and coach athletes, both male and female.

Thank you for taking the time to understand and respect our perspective. We deeply appreciate your support as we work to build and strengthen women’s wrestling.

It is important we do not let innuendo, hearsay and rumor be the basis for judging such a historically respected program who prides itself on promoting all athletes and their success.

Go Hawks!

LAKELAND ADMINISTRATION