Toledo High School’s wrestling program, fresh off their historic 2024 1A/2A state championship victory, ihas opened its new 1,440-square-foot wrestling facility. The space, transformed from an existing former storage building on campus, now serves over 90 athletes across youth, middle school, and high school programs.
The facility’s construction represents a community-wide effort, with all building supplies and labor provided through local donations and support. “I am so proud of how this community and our district has rallied together to make this space a possibility for our Boomer Wrestlers,” said Toledo High School Principal Chloe Minch. “Not only will this help our Wrestling program, it will alleviate the music and theater programs, as all three programs use the same space for performances and practices.”
The new facility serves as home to Toledo’s comprehensive wrestling program, which includes a 45-member youth mat club for youth ages 5 through 5th grade, a 15-member middle school competition team, and 30 high school athletes across both boys’ and girls’ teams.
“Wrestling is a tool we use to grow character, strength and commitment and helps athletes overcome adversity,” said Tyler Watkins, Toledo High School wrestling coach. “It’s a testament to these hard working kids – they’ve earned this wrestling room.”
Junior wrestler Mindy Blomstrom shared her enthusiasm about no longer having to practice in the cafeteria. “This gives our team more of a home,” she said, noting that the previous arrangement required cleaning food from the cafeteria floor and setting up wrestling mats after school each day.
“This would not have been possible without the support of Superintendent Majalise Tolan, Principal Chloe Minch and Rich Belloni and his Facilities and Maintenance team,” Watkins added. “They believe in the program and the return on their investment is the kids.”
Senior wrestler Nic Kaufman expressed gratitude: “It means a lot that the school and community invested in us and the future of wrestling.”
“I look forward to our ribbon cutting ceremony so that our families and community members can see this beautiful space that was created by them and for our students,” Minch added.