Lakeland University women's wrestling program continues to evolve
Lakeland University women's wrestling program sees growth
Lakeland University is a small private institution in Sheboygan County. It has about 2,500 students and is one of the few women's collegiate wrestling programs in the state.
PLYMOUTH, Wis. - Lakeland University is a small private institution in Sheboygan County. It has about 2,500 students and is one of the few women's collegiate wrestling programs in the state.
What we know:
There are about 400 men's wrestling programs in the country at the collegiate level, but less than 200 for women. Things are growing rapidly on the women's side, however. And earlier this year, the NCAA has now recognized the sport and will stage a national championship, starting in 2026.
This year, the Lakeland University Muskies season runs through March.
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Tucked back in the fieldhouse, Shannyn Gillespie's team does its work. He's the coach and they are his women's wrestlers.
Dig deeper:
Gillespie was an All-American himself in college and coached men for a while before switching over to women. He's been at the high school and college and olympic training levels. The sport is growing, however Gillespie still encounters curiosity.
"I tell people it doesn't matter if you come to lakeland. Why? Because I can teach you how to do the sport at the highest level," Gillespie said. "I am in six halls of fame, I can get it done and I can help them get it done."
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The Muskies have student athletes from across the country. They get it done right along with the likes of competitors from bigger schools. Because unlike for men, there is only one division for women.
Many of them are also honing their skills in a different type of wrestling than they grew up with.
"Mens college sanctions Folk Style, Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, whatever you want to call it, women's wrestling sanctions free style, that's the Olympic sport," Gillespie said. "Most of the women come from Folk Style, just like most everybody in the U.S. And they might not have done free style when they get to college so a large part of my job is to introduce them to the sport.
A coach is instructing, a team is improving, and the athletes are evolving.
The Source: The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News.