Frazer Cuts Wrestling Program

Just two years after making history by launching a wrestling program, the Frazer School District has been forced to cut wrestling from their athletic programs.

Jacob Turcotte, head coach for the now-defunct team, explained that the program was cut due to budget constraints and Title IX issues.

Title IX mandates that each school district provide gender equality in sports. There must be an equal number of sports offered for girls and boys in order for schools to be in compliance. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary actions by the Montana High School Association.

Turcotte, who was instrumental in getting wrestling started in Frazer, expressed his disappointment in the loss of the program, but focused more on the support he received from Scott Vandall and others in surrounding communities, like Glasgow and Poplar. “I am so thankful for all the help I received,” he explained. “I could not have done any of it by myself. Scott Vandall especially put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the program in order for it to be successful.”

Turcotte also touched on what wrestling teaches and how far-reaching the wrestling family extends. “To me, it's much more than just wrestling,” he explained. “It teaches kids how to work hard and other important life lessons. Also, I can't say enough about the Glasgow wrestling program. Everyone was willing to help me out and I tip my hat to them (Brady Flaten, Brenner Flaten, Jory Casterline and Ryan Hartwell.)”

As of press time, the administration at the Frazer School District was preparing a statement regarding the recent change.