AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 9, 2026
Ribbon-Cutting Marks Opening of New Wrestling Facility
The Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District recently marked the official opening of its new wrestling facility with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event. The ceremony took place on the Ste. Genevieve campus, behind the Performing Arts Center, and included community tours and a special recognition event for wrestling alumni during the Ste. Genevieve High School (SGHS) varsity football game against North County.
Bond Issue Funds Major Campus Upgrade
This new wrestling facility is one of the major projects made possible through Prop SG, the district’s $20 million no-tax-increase bond issue passed in April 2022. District officials, students, families, alumni, and community members gathered to acknowledge both the achievement and the widespread community support underpinning its completion.
State-of-the-Art Practice Facility for Student Athletes
The new building provides a dedicated space for the district’s wrestling program, featuring a large wrestling practice area, locker rooms, restrooms, offices, storage, and a golf simulator room. The space is designed to support not only wrestling, but also other Ste. Genevieve school programs including golf, cheer, band, color guard, cross country, track and field, and football. Community groups will also have the opportunity to utilize the facility.
Leadership and Community Contributions Recognized
Superintendent Dr. Paul Taylor opened the ceremony, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the facility’s realization. "Each of you played a key role in the facilities planning and bond election process, and we are grateful for your feedback, support and trust," Taylor said. He also recognized project partners KRJ Architects and Brockmiller Construction for their roles in its design and construction.
Alumni Recognition Connects Generations
Athletic Director Dr. Jeff Nix emphasized the ongoing opportunities the facility will provide, stating that its value lies not only in the structure itself but in the practices, traditions, and friendships it will foster. Head Wrestling Coach Jared Bonnell, who led the ribbon-cutting, described the new space as giving the program "a place to call home," where students can work hard and build on the traditions of Ste. Genevieve wrestling. After the ribbon was officially cut, guests toured the facility, viewing the modern athletic training and practice spaces first-hand.
The celebration continued during halftime at the SGHS varsity football game, as former Dragon wrestlers were honored on the field in a special alumni recognition ceremony. This moment was designed to celebrate the wrestling program’s history and look ahead at the opportunities the new facility will bring.
Facility Impacts and Future Projects
With the wrestling program moving into its new dedicated space, the former wrestling room will be converted into an expanded weight room for student athletes, further enhancing training space at SGHS. According to school officials, the wrestling facility is among the final major initiatives completed using funds from Prop SG, underlining an ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities and improving educational infrastructure for future generations of Dragons.
The Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District extends sincere appreciation to voters, committee members, staff, project teams, families, and community supporters who made the new wrestling practice facility a reality.
Source: suntimesnews.com.
