Panther Valley plans to bring back its high school wrestling program next season.

School board members voted to bring back wrestling during a school board meeting this week.

The vote came after Kris Nalesnik, a Panther Valley teacher who coaches wrestling in another district, made a presentation to the athletic committee.

“I’ve always been a big proponent of wrestling, and it killed me when the program was canceled,” Nalesnik said.

Panther Valley cut the wrestling program in 2020. Board members said that cost wasn’t the only factor, it was also due to interest. Board members put the cost for the last year of the program at around $17,800, and at one point in the season there was only one wrestler eligible.

Nalesnik said he believes he can run a program which is cheaper and has more athletes, including girls.

He said girls wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

In his presentation, Nalesnik talked about how wrestling can be a positive influence in the lives of students, particularly those with behavior issues.

Nalesnik said he estimates that the program can cost $16,500, and that cost can be offset with grants and booster club fundraising.

Some board members said they would support the program only if the number of athletes warrants it.

Nalesnik said he was pleased with the outcome of the board vote.

“The kids deserve it so badly. It makes me happy that it is going to happen,” Nalesnik said.