While Prep offers a variety of 14 popular sports that compete with other Metro schools, one is left without representation: wrestling. Prep is in the minority as most public and private schools in Seattle have their own wrestling program, including Bishop Blanchet, Kennedy Catholic, and Garfield. In the 133 years of Prep, wrestling has never been amongst the sports it has offered. So, the question remains, is Prep missing out? 

According to Athletic Director, Sam Reed, the sport was never intentionally excluded from Prep’s array of athletics. “Spacing concerns are a main factor [in the absence of the team].” Wrestling takes place during the winter, a busy time for indoor sports here at Prep. With crew conditioning, pre-season weightlifting, and basketball practices all morning and afternoon, Prep gym spaces are filled for a majority of the week, limiting opportunities for an additional winter sport. 

The exclusion of the sport from Prep’s athletics does not stop students from participating in it. Students have had the opportunity to join a public school’s team. Three current Prep students have been able to take part in the wrestling teams at Nathan Hale, Garfield, and Franklin. While they are unable to participate in the sport under Prep’s name, these students agreed they appreciated the opportunity to connect with other schools.

“I think it is a good opportunity to be able to meet some people and make new connections,” Emmett Samson ‘26, a wrestler for Garfield, said. Gavin Lines ‘26 wrestles for Franklin and said he prefers the current wrestling situation: “I really like the team I’m on now and wouldn’t want to change that.” 

Prep may be without a wrestling team for some time going forward, but there is a possibility one could be formed in the future if there’s enough interest. Until then, students passionate about wrestling will continue to find ways to pursue the sport and represent the values of Prep on other mats.