Oklahoma girls’ wrestling team suspended for rest of season after “egregious” acts from spectators

An Oklahoma high school girls’ wrestling team has been suspended for the remainder of the season for a few acts of unsportsmanlike conduct by spectators during wrestling events.

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) handed down the suspension to Edmond North High School for “two egregious acts of unsportsmanlike conduct during two different wrestling events,” according to an OSSAA press release.

A recent story from Yahoo! Sports detailed the suspension as well as the response from other Oklahoma athletic directors. Below is an excerpt from the Yahoo! Sports story.

“In accordance with OSSAA Board Policy V, the girls wrestling program at Edmond North High School has been suspended for the remainder of the season following two egregious acts of unsportsmanlike conduct during two different wrestling events,” the OSSAA said in a statement.

“This decision was made after the school received a formal warning following the first violation, as outlined in our policy. This policy has been in place for the past three years, and this is the first time we have had a team commit two egregious acts in the same season.”

Ada High School girls basketball coach and athletic director Christie Jennings said she’d hate to see something similar happen to one of the programs under her guidance.

“This is a reminder that OSSAA activity programs are primarily for the student participants. The purpose of the competition is to provide a positive learning experience and opportunities for the growth of our students. Our competitions are conducted according to the rules of the OSSAA,” Jennings said in a press release.

The Edmond North wrestling squad is ranked No. 3 in Class 6A.

“Everyone including parents and spectators are expected to assist in the promotion and achievement of good sportsmanship,” Jennings said. “One of their wrestlers was nationally ranked and was set to wrestle for her fourth state championship. Unfortunately, this team’s season ended because a small set of fans/parents could not control their emotions.”

To read the full story from Yahoo! Sports about the season-long suspension, click here.