The cooperative Avonworth-Northgate wrestling program received a unanimous and enthusiastic vote of support from the Northgate School Board Monday night, leaving the final decision on whether the program will continue up to their counterparts in the Avonworth School District.

Part of a co-op sports program that includes track, golf and swimming, wrestling was proposed for elimination as part of a "collaborative agreement" among administrators for the two school districts, according to Avonworth superintendent Dr. Valerie McDonald. The criteria used in making that decision included low participation, the inability to find assistant coaches in recent years, and the cost -- $12,500 per district each year -- McDonald said.

Wrestling supporters approached the Avonworth School Board at its April 5 meeting, promising increased booster financial support, more wrestlers on the mats, and a chance to become more competitive as the joint team moves from AAA to AA in the WPIAL next year. A hesitant Avonworth board opted to let Northgate decide first whether to continue the program.

Head coach Todd Ford said at the Northgate board's committee of the whole meeting Monday that he was disappointed that he had to hear about the proposed program elimination from unofficial sources.

"Ask us what we can do to make sure it keeps going," he said. "Ask our boosters what they can do."

Boosters, parents and wrestlers of all ages attended the Northgate meeting.

"This is very important to me," said wrestler Jesse Miller. "I joined track because I thought it would help me in wrestling." Another young wrestler told the board how wrestling had made him a better football player.

Parent Barb Doscher said that having a variety of athletic programs and being small enough to give athletes a chance to play many of them is what makes Northgate special.

Recognizing budgetary concerns in both districts, the boosters said they would provide whatever financial support was necessary for wrestling to continue. The wrestlers themselves were equally committed.

"I will sell so much more hoagies next year," said Miller.

Supporters found that the Northgate board was not a tough sell.

"I think the vast majority of the board is in favor of your program," board president Susan Nolan told the group.

"We're totally in favor of wrestling," said athletic committee chairman David Natale.

"It would break my heart to see the wrestling program go," said committee member Tony Barbarino.

With only board member Shirl Reinhart absent, the Northgate board unanimously voiced their support for wrestling. Ultimately, however, the program needs support from both districts, because neither has enough participants to field a competitive team on its own.

"The final decision is not in our hands," said Northgate superintendent Dr. Reggie Bonfield, who said he would relay Northgate's support to McDonald.