Time is running out on the wrestling co-op between South Fayette and Chartiers Valley high schools.

Because the district is growing quickly, South Fayette's male enrollment will be well over the limit to have a co-op program and athletic director Joe Farkas said he is investigating all options.

"We are OK for next year but we have to make a decision by next October or November," said Farkas. "That gives us time to look at some options."

Farkas said there are four possibilities under consideration for now.

• Re-establish the wrestling program, which went into the co-op with Chartiers Valley for the 1999-2000 season.
• Attempt to establish a co-op with the other school district on its border, Fort Cherry. But that would force that team to compete in Class AAA.
• Establish a tournament team that would not be part of a section but would be eligible to compete in the WPIAL's postseason.
• Allow the co-op to lapse and eventually phase out the wrestling program.
  

"I've already met with some of the parents," Farkas said. "We'll have another meeting with the parents in April."

Farkas said the numbers in the youth programs are low. There are only two wrestlers each in the fifth and sixth grades and just 38 from kindergarten through eighth grade.

If the Lions established a tournament team, they may be helped by the popularity of pool tournaments. These events, normally held over the weekend, can give wrestlers a maximum of five bouts in one day.

"We have time," Farkas said. "I think we can find a solution."