Mimicking one of the fastest growing sports for females in the country, the CHS girls’ wrestling squad has doubled in size this season with over 20 girls on the team. Finishing with a 9-10 record, this is the first time the girls competed as their own team separate from the boys.
Physical education teacher Doug Lynch oversees the new team as its new head coach. He has high expectations for the team he has built.
“So, obviously, I am excited for the season, we are going to districts this year, we have a lot of talent, and I hope we have a really successful run in districts and hopefully regions,” Lynch said ahead of the season.
Lynch understands the importance of his role as coach.
“So, Coach sets the tone going out, with practice, and really, really helps develop the skill set going into a match,” Lynch explained.
Freshman Emersyn Mathews says Lynch is always pushing her to improve, being someone she can go to, ask questions, and receive the advice needed to perfect her craft.
However, the coach isn’t the only place the freshman girls are finding support.
“The girls on the team are really supportive, and even though I had experience, I still learned new moves and stuff…” Mathews said.
The support from upperclassmen has also played a major role in developing the size of the team and growing its popularity.
“I believe many people think it’s an interesting sport to try, and from hearing the other girls who have played in the past, persuading them, interest has been sparked,” Mathews said.
Many student-athletes struggle with juggling school and sports, and girls’ wrestling is no different.
“It’s a lot to handle, but I find that after school, you go to practice, then after that, straight to homework, and make sure I do all that before I can go on my technology or whatever so that I get it done,” freshman wrestler Lillian Davies said.
Despite popular belief, the hurdles they overcome at practice aren’t always physical; in fact, a lot of the sport’s strategy takes place in their head.
“It’s a lot of physically and mentally consuming, because you have to be mentally ready to go into a match and stuff, and, if you lose, you can’t like, destroy yourself about it, and physically, it’s just, like, a lot of hard work,” Mathews said.
Davies describes the feelings that come with winning – and losing.
“My coach, Lynch, has said that when you lose, you find yourself in a dark valley, and it’s hard to get out. And when you win, you’re on top of that, and you want to stay there. You don’t want to be in the dark valley.”
Learning to accept loss is one of the takeaways the sport has taught the girls. In a sport like wrestling, where it is a team effort, getting over a loss can be challenging.
“It has taught me that I can’t beat myself up over things that happened in the past and learn to move forward,” Mathews said.
Girls’ wrestling has not only grown in numbers, but in determination and grit. The sport has helped girls overcome their challenges and become the best versions of themselves. This sport, with both its new coach and athletes, is one of a kind. After a season marked by growth and newfound passion, the team is excited to build on its success next season.
