"The only way that they can wrestle other girls is in 2JV level competition and they basically aren't getting the proper 3treatment that they deserve, as in getting in the record books and all that kind of stuff for their 4accomplishments." 

A rule from the LHSAA(Louisiana High School Athletic Association) allowed girls to join wrestling teams at their schools and compete against boys in their weight class. But if they won any title above a JV level, they didn't get as much 5praise. Of more than 80 girls 6statewide who 7participate in high school wrestling, three are currently on the St. Amant Gators team. 

"I know at St. Amant this year, all three of our girls have actually 8defeated boys in 9varsity level competition." 

Coach Clint Brownell, along with his team, spent the week 10anxiously 11awaiting a vote from the LHSAA, which would 12determine whether girls should get their own division or not. 

"They should vote to 13sanction girls wrestling because we deserve the same 14support." 

On Thursday, their wish was 15granted with a vote of 96-1 in favor of adding girls wrestling as a new division for the 2024-25 school year. And the sound of victory was heard once again. This time, even the boys were cheering.