Phillipsburg Wrestling Program Temporarily Halts Activities After Tournament Health Concern

The Phillipsburg High School wrestling team has ceased workouts and competitions after a tournament performance. School and team officials prioritized player safety after an out-of-town event that may have harmed athletes.

Phillipsburg wrestlers rested after the Robin Leff Tournament at Southern Regional High School last week. The squad collaborated with a wrestler who acquired skin issues. Despite no verified cases on the Phillipsburg team, authorities decreased risk quickly.

Stateliners head coach Tim Longacre said they’ll be out until December 26. He said the adjustment was made “out of an abundance of caution,” as student-athlete safety is the program’s first priority. Because wrestling needs personal touch, health risks must be prevented early.

National and New Jersey school districts are becoming more proactive in high-contact sports. Health professionals advise short breaks to check symptoms, evaluate, and prevent spread in teams or schools.

The team will resume normal activities after the precautionary stoppage, which parents and students were informed of. Officials have not projected a long-term wrestling season impact.

Phillipsburg’s wrestling program is noted statewide, and the decision prioritizes student well-being over competition. Coaches and administrators stressed that the delay was for safety of athletes, opponents, and school staff, not disease.

As winter sports continue, schools must monitor health risks, especially contact sports. Phillipsburg will undertake health and safety procedures before returning to the mat later this month.

Sources

• Phillipsburg High School Athletics

• New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA)