CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A School Board member has proposed adding wrestling to the sponsored sports programs at middle schools in Clarksville-Montgomery County.
At Tuesday’s board meeting, Aron Maberry put forward the proposal, which he said is part of his ongoing advocacy for wrestling programs that started with his first year on the board in 2022. The proposal will fund coaches, gear and mats for the program districtwide for both boys and girls programs.
In a statement to Clarksville Now, Maberry said he worked last year with former CMCSS Chief Financial Officer Chris Reneau on securing the funds needed to bring in middle school wrestling. But with changes in leadership, that funding was removed during the budget process.
“At that time, I chose not to disrupt the entire budget for this single item and informed the administration in June that I would submit a separate budget amendment,” he said.
Those plans were then delayed by the $12 million federal budget freeze. With those funds now being unlocked, Maberry said he’s ready to make the proposal, requesting a vote at the next meeting.
“This investment is not just about athletics – it’s also about community growth,” Maberry said. “When industries consider locating in an area, they look closely at what opportunities exist for students. We have made great strides in middle school sports, including the addition of cross country, basketball and football programs. Adding wrestling continues this trend and strengthens our recruiting power for higher-paying jobs in our community.”
The School Board is expected vote on the matter at their Aug. 26 meeting, 6 p.m., at the CMCSS board room, 621 Gracey Ave.
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