It's not faith but FEAR. Fear of getting beat by a girl. Fear of being teased. Fear of being laughed at. Just plain old fear.

That's the real 11th Commandment, I understand, but there wasn't room on the stone tablets, so it got left off.

I suspect young Mr. Johnston was afraid that his Johnson would react in some embarrassing way during the match. That, rather than his religious beliefs, might be one of the reasons for his decision. Fear of losing to a girl, perhaps, played a role as well.

on the way back down the mountain. See documentary:

I’d think being so close to a lifetime goal/title would ..... oh never mind.

Had a few friends in high school who wrestled. Watching them in that sweat box and barely eating anything was brutal to just watch.

to excuse terrible behavior and decision making.

This was way before Title IX.
I had a bad record, only one win. I think I was still a believer then. I was still shaped by my Catholic upbringing. I would have found nothing objectionable to wrestling a girl.

I can't think of any teaching that would have caused me pause. I think the previous posters are closer to the truth.

does that include endorsing her right to body autonomy? He wont engage in a traditionally male sport that now allows physical contact with female athletes, so what other activities does he consider inappropriate for women?

Darwin was right, it really boils down to survival of the fittest in brawn and brains, or maybe the motto of the TV show, Survivor says it best; “Outwit, Outplay, Outlast”.

unmentionable body parts.

that a singlet just can't hide.

the Colorado State Wrestling championship. She came in fourth in the 106 lb. class. The boy who forfeited against her also forfeited to another girl earlier in the match, Jaslynn Gallegos, who also reached the podium in her weight class. So, a double-whammy.

his ass whipped by a girl.

There's no other reason for it.