BOE approves adding volleyball to Junior High athletics in fall of 2022

With the start of the fall 2022 athletic season, volleyball will become an option for Guthrie Junior High School female athletes.

The Board of Education approved (7-0) the fall sport with the recommendation from Athletic Director Jon Chappell at Monday’s board meeting.

There has been a push from community members to add the sport with more and more local players participating in youth events.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson informed board members they would start the volleyball program at the junior high level and gradually take it to the high school level provided the interest remains in place.

Like other junior high sports in Guthrie, one team is expected to be comprise of seventh and eight grade students.

Chappell said the schedule would consist of 13 games and two tournaments.

The initial cost of adding volleyball is approximately $8,000, which includes travel, uniforms, equipment and a coach’s stipend.

The school district has not named a coach at this time.

According to the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association, practices can begin July 15.

In 2021, GJHS played their first soccer game after the BOE approved the sport in 2020.