The Rock Island-Milan School District 41 is celebrating a milestone for the Rock Island High School Girls Wrestling team, competing in its first season as an official standalone program in 2025–2026.
Girls' wrestling has been offered at the school since 2016–17, but until now, female athletes trained and competed alongside the boys' team. The new program provides dedicated coaching, structured training, and a full schedule of competitions, reflecting the rapid growth of girls' wrestling nationwide. Rock Island is one of only three sanctioned girls' teams in the Western Big 6 conference.
This season, the team has competed in five tournaments, including the Western Big 6, and two scrambles. Chloe Cobert, Stella Hacker, and Courtney Wall captured the conference championship. Isabella Reynolds and Reyna Skelton finished second, Jade Varble, Grace Powell, and Sincerlyana Deemers earned third, and Izabel Vega placed fourth.
Standout Courtney Walls is undefeated at 31-0, including forfeits, and has recorded all bonus point wins by fall or technical fall this season except for one match. Courtney will compete in the Girls' State Wrestling Tournament in Bloomington, Illinois, on February 27th & 28th.
In its first season, Coach Barlow McGhee, the program’s first-ever head coach, is proud to see the girls wrestling team grow into its own.
“Watching the growth of the girls' wrestling team has been incredible, and I couldn't be more proud of the hard work, resilience, and belief they've shown this year,” said Coach McGhee. “To even have one girl go to state in our first year as a program is a blessing, and shows just how committed our coaches and wrestlers are to making this program into something special.”
Last year, the team had only three or four girls, but it has quickly grown to 13 active wrestlers this season.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sharon Williams for her unwavering support in establishing the head coach and assistant coach positions to lead our girls' wrestling program,” said Mike Emendorfer, RIHS Athletic Director. “A special acknowledgment goes to Coach McGhee, whose dedication and enthusiasm truly inspire our team. His commitment is making a significant difference in the success of our girls' wrestling program, and we couldn't be more excited about the future!”
With the season still underway, Rock Island High School’s girls wrestling program is building momentum, establishing a strong foundation, and setting the stage for continued growth and success.