Athletes of all types could lose out

By Meg Wochnick | The Olympian • Published April 29, 2008

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OLYMPIA – After 31 years as the wrestling coach at Olympia High School, Rockey Isley might have coached his last team.

Isley isn't retiring, but if the Olympia School District cuts more than $2 million from its projected budget for the 2008-09 school year, wrestling is one of many sports that could be on the chopping block.

Eliminating districtwide athletic programs is one of numerous budget-cutting options that will be considered, according to a list released Monday by the school district.

The district is considering eliminating drill teams, gymnastics, swimming and wrestling teams at Capital and Olympia high schools because of low turnout. It is also considering eliminating high school C teams for students who don't make varsity or junior-varsity teams.

Middle school sports also would be eliminated, but an expanded intramural program would be funded through pay-to-play fees, or through the district.

Projections show expenditures will exceed revenue by more than $2 million in the coming school year, and cutting some sports programs will save the district more than $1 million. If these cuts were to occur, they would take place starting in the fall at Capital and Olympia high schools and at the district's middle schools.

"Everything is extremely preliminary," Olympia School District athletic director Jeff Carpenter said. "Nothing has been decided. It's in the earliest stages of discussion. The (athletic directors) have mentioned to coaches the three or four things up for discussion. But at the district level, discussions haven't started yet."

Isley, who has been Olympia High's wrestling coach since 1977, said a possible cut of middle school sports would mean low numbers for high school wrestling.

"Kids that have done it in middle school, they're not so gun shy to turn out for (high school) wrestling," said Isley, who has taken wrestlers to state competition in 29 of his 31 years at Olympia High. "When I see them talking about it, it floors me to see that even be put on the table. It makes it really tough."

Capital High boys and girls soccer coach Devin Proctor has coached the Cougars' programs for four years and said he had about 20 to 22 girls and 18 to 20 boys on the C teams. The elimination of C teams might mean some players will not play again once getting cut from varsity or junior varsity, he said.

"It's kind of sad," Proctor said. "They miss out on the experience. Who knows the choices they make if they don't have sports in their life. The experience is well worth it."

The announcement has made it tough on athletes, too.

Olympia High junior Steven Julian, who was one of nearly 40 Bears wrestlers, said if wrestling is cut, he might transfer to another Class 4A school just to participate in wrestling, but still take classes at Olympia High. The closest options are Shelton High School, which will be 4A in the fall, or Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma.

"A lot of us have put a lot of time and effort during the season and off the season and it's hard to see it (possibly) disappear right in front of you," Julian said.

Meg Wochnick covers high school sports for The Olympian. She can be reached at 360-754-5473 or mwochnick@theolympian.com.