High school wrestling returning to D.C. public schools after 30 years

WASHINGTON/7NEWS — Wrestling is back in the District.

After 30 years, high school wrestling is returning to D.C. Public Schools as a varsity sport.

7News sports anchor Scott Abraham broke the story, speaking with several individuals involved in the initial roll out. Abraham also talked with Kenai Rivera, a sophomore at Bell High School, who can't wait to get on the mat.

"It humbles me a lot and it really gives me the experience to do better in here," Rivera told Abraham. "To do better outside of wrestling too and showing respect to others."

D.C.P.S. partnering with Wrestling to Beat the Streets D.C., restoring the sport in the district. 1992 was the last time D.C. public schools had varsity wrestling.

"It's all about enriching our students lives with providing them with as many opportunities and positive experience that we can," Mark Kanellis, DCIAA assistant director of athletics said.

Practices begin March 7th. In the first season, eight D.C. schools will participate in wrestling. Anacostia, Ballou, Bell, Cardoza, Dunbar, HD Woodson, Roosevelt and Wilson.

The hope is to add two to three additional schools every year.

"We have a lot of work to do," Geary Fitzpatrick, president of Wrestling to Beat the Streets D.C. said. "But we're excited to do it. We have worked on this a long time."

WBTSDC will provide each participating school will all necessary start-up equipment including wrestling mats, uniforms and headgear. That's all valued at $25,000 per school. They are hoping to raise $200,000.

If you would like to donate, go to their website https://www.wrestlingbts-dc.org/.