GRAPPLING RELATED NEWS

The superintendent of Sidney City Schools is working a plan to recognize Sidney High School freshman Josie Davis, who has become Ohio’s first state championship girls wrestler at 126 pounds.

A tussle of sorts has grown out of a disagreement about how Josie should be honored — with a banner that would be hung at her school or some other way because her championship is not considered legitimate because the Ohio High School Athletic Association only recognizes wrestling as a boy’s sport.

“First of all, Josie is an incredible athlete and student and we were very excited about her accomplishment,” Superintendent Bob Humble told News Center 7’s Josh Jackson on Thursday.

The tournament last weekend where Josie won in her weight class was put on by the Ohio Coaches Association, not the OHSAA.

“It’s a great accomplishment but at this point in time, the way we’ve always recognized athletes in our main gym is through the OHSAA sports,” Humble said.

“Unfortunately, because there aren’t enough girl wrestlers right now, OHSAA hasn’t recognized that as a sport yet.”

In the meantime, Josie is scheduled to travel to Europe to participate in a girls’ wrestling tournament. She’ll be representing the United States at that event.

Humble said he wants to meet with Josie’s parents, to propose an idea for how to honor the grappler, before announcing anything publicly.

BECOME A SUPPORTER UNDER FACEBOOK’S NEW FAN PAGE SUPPORTER SYSTEM! EARN COMMENT BADGES AND PERKS! https://www.facebook.com/WhiteBeltBrazilianJiuJitsu/?modal=become_supporter

USE COUPON CODE “WBBJJ” FOR 15% OFF YOUR NEXT FUJI GI OR BJJ PRODUCT! https://www.fujisports.com