Students wrestle for new equipment

Iola High School students spoke in favor of a plan to purchase $75,000 in new equipment for the weight room. The current equipment is outdated and damaged, and the upgrades are needed as a new teacher is generating renewed interest in the school's weight training program. A grant will pay for $25,000 of the cost.

May 10, 2022 - 2:25 PM

Iola High School senior Brett Willis addresses the school board. Behind him are weight teacher Mike Wilhelm and senior Sage Barney. Photo by Vickie Moss / Iola Register

A dozen Iola High School students cheered and celebrated as school board members agreed to spend $50,000 to replace outdated weightlifting equipment.

Weight teacher Mike Wilhelm and wrestling coach Jason Bates asked the board to support the purchase of $75,000 in new equipment, with $25,000 paid by a grant from Health Forward Foundation.

They offered a detailed presentation to the board, with photos of old and damaged equipment compared to the items they wanted to buy.

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