County looks to save wrestling
When members of the International Olympic Committee get together in Lausanne, Switzerland, it’s safe to say they couldn’t identify the location of Washington County, Pa.
If those signing an online petition aimed at retaining wrestling as an Olympic competition in 2020 have their way, the IOC will learn about local wrestling supporters and their ire that the sport, part of the summer games since 1896, could disappear from the venue after 2016.
At the behest of Washington County Commission Chairman Larry Maggi, a wrestling official for 41 years and a former competitor, the website www.co.washington.pa.us has a link to the petition, exhorting “Make your voice heard! Join the discussion on Community Voice!”
As of Wednesday, 17 people had weighed in. “25,000 to 30,000 sign-ups would be great,” Maggi said.
One does not have to be a Washington County resident or even a resident of Pennsylvania to sign on.
“This region is huge in wrestling, and it has been for years,” said Maggi, who began participating in the sport as a mere youth and continued through the ranks in college.
In a related matter, the commissioners will recognize the accomplishments of PIAA repeat wrestling champions from Canon-McMillan High School at their meeting at 10 a.m. today at the Courthouse Square office building.