Editor:

I was very disappointed in the recent decision by the Avonworth School Board's Athletic Committee to cut wrestling from the co-op sports agreement. After attending the meeting, I left with the feeling that little is known about this wonderful character-building sport!

Much of the information being provided to board members appears to be incorrect. The cost for the 2009-2010 season was significant;y less than budgeted -- $15,000 ($7,500/school) -- due to fewer coaches. When participation is low, the need for multiple coaches should be considered, as well as volunteer coaches.

The participation numbers were lower this year due to as number of injuries, however the program still produced one wrestler placing at the regional level. Although numbers were down, the passion and desire to keep the program is on the rise. Many youth wrestlers attended Northgate's April [school board) meeting and left with the feeling that people were listening to their concerns.

Nobody knows how many wrestlers will participate this upcoming season. However, it appears that the junior high program has the chance to double in size with equal numbers from both schools. Although Avonworth's preliminary varsity wrestling numbers are smaller than Northgate's for the upcoming season, this was not always the case, but Northgate has always supported the program. A co-op agreement gives the two small schools the opportunity to provide sports that each could not do alone.

I can't believe that such an important decision was made without any discussion between both athletic committees and the booster organization. After the Northgate School Board voted unanimously to continue with the program, alternative solutions were not considered. Another cut considered by the Avonworth administration was going paperless for the school newspaper. The cost for this program is budgeted at $7,000. However, the administration is willing to look at other options, like fund-raising, rather than cutting this student activity. Why wasn't wrestling given the same opportunity?

If anyone believes that cutting sports and activities from the students is the answer to the PSERS crisis, I think they need to rethink their decisions. Two percent of the entire budget (approximate cost of ALL sports and activities) is not going to come close to fixing the problem. It will only hurt the children and our schools!

Brian Bartholomew
Bellevue
Vice President,
Avonworth/Northgate Wrestling Boosters