Washington, D.C., July 24, 2025
News Summary
Washington, D.C. public high schools are set to reintroduce varsity wrestling programs after decades of absence, with eight teams planned for the upcoming season. Spearheaded by Wrestling to Beat the Streets D.C., this initiative aims to foster school spirit, provide mentorship, and promote inclusivity among student-athletes. The decision reflects a commitment to enhance competitive opportunities and support students’ academic and personal growth, creating a vibrant wrestling community in the District.
Washington, D.C. has announced the long-awaited return of varsity wrestling programs in public high schools after decades of absence. This initiative, spearheaded by the organization Wrestling to Beat the Streets D.C., aims to establish eight competitive teams throughout the District for the upcoming wrestling season.
This significant development not only revives wrestling within the schools but also provides a structured environment with year-round mentoring, tutoring, and college counseling for student-athletes. Prior to this initiative, the only active wrestling program in the District was a club at Woodrow Wilson High School, which competes against private schools and draws athletes from eight different schools. This program fosters a unique competitive spirit, creating a community dynamic referred to as “D.C. versus everybody else.”
The decision to reinstate varsity wrestling is seen as a crucial step to enhance opportunities for student-athletes in D.C. public schools and to foster a sense of community. Plans for expansion beyond the initial eight teams are already in motion, indicating a strong commitment to long-term growth and involvement in high school athletics.
The organization Wrestling to Beat the Streets D.C. emphasizes that many sports have retreated from underserved communities over the years. Their mission focuses on bringing back these sports to improve the lives of young people and provide a positive outlet through athletics.
With the launch of the new wrestling season expected next month, excitement is building among students and coaches alike. Maya Werbow, a member of Wilson’s club wrestling team, notes the importance of this development, reflecting the enthusiasm shared by many in the wrestling community. As a remarkable aspect, she is the only girl on the team, demonstrating inclusivity and the broad appeal of this sport.
The Head Coach of Wilson’s wrestling team humorously comments on the program’s previous unique position, highlighting the novelty of being crowned “DCPS champs” without any local opponents. This sentiment reflects both the humor and the underlying seriousness of fostering a competitive atmosphere among D.C. public schools.
What This Means for D.C. Student-Athletes
The establishment of varsity wrestling programs across D.C. public high schools will not only provide increased competitive opportunities but also aims to build a supportive community for student-athletes. The organization believes that, through wrestling, they can motivate students to commit to their education and personal growth.
Key Points of the Initiative
- Return of Varsity Wrestling: First time in decades, aimed at enhancing school spirit and competition.
- Wrestling to Beat the Streets D.C.: Leading organization behind this historic revival, providing essential support for student-athletes.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Offering year-round mentoring, tutoring, and college counseling to enrich student-athletes’ experiences.
- Inclusive Environment: Programs welcoming students of all backgrounds and skill levels, promoting diversity within the sport.
- Exciting Future: Plans for expansion of teams and ongoing community involvement, fostering a robust wrestling culture in D.C.
Conclusion
Washington, D.C.’s public high schools are on the brink of a significant transformation within their sporting landscape, as the official launch of varsity wrestling is set to take place next month. With the infrastructure and community support in place, D.C. student-athletes will soon have access to a competitive wrestling format that encourages growth, teamwork, and athletic excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new varsity wrestling season start?
How many teams are being established?
What support does Wrestling to Beat the Streets D.C. provide?
Chart: Key Features of the Varsity Wrestling Initiative in D.C.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Teams | 8 teams established for the initial season |
| Support Organization | Wrestling to Beat the Streets D.C. |
| Additional Services | Mentoring, tutoring, college counseling |
| Inclusivity | Welcoming all students, promoting diversity |
| Competitive Dynamics | Encourages school spirit with a ‘D.C. versus everybody else’ mentality |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Washington Post: Girls High School Wrestling
- Sports Illustrated: National High School Wrestling Rankings
- WHAS11: Wrestling Coach Tragedy
- DC News Now: Girls in Wrestling
- WIN Magazine: High School Wrestling Seasons
- Wikipedia: Wrestling
- Google Search: High School Wrestling
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wrestling
- Google News: High School Wrestling
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
