Girl wrestlers from sectional champion North Montgomery and Crawfordsville have prepared all week for today’s regional competition at Rochester High School. The Chargers have a deep history in the sport, while for the Athenians it will be about enjoying a first-time experience.
This is the first year that girls wrestling has been sanctioned by the Indiana High School Athletic Association. The previous state tournaments were organized by a coaches association under whose guidance helped build the sport into one of Indiana’s fastest growing sports.
The Charger program has experienced much success including individual state championships.
Now it is time for this year’s Charger edition to carve a name for themselves and coach Lincoln Kyle believes his team can do good things. Last week’s sectional championship was a step toward greater things he said.
“I am a firm believer that success creates more success,” Kyle said. “North Montgomery girls wrestling has a great culture right now, and I believe this will just continue to grow with the success that we are having.”
“My expectation is that the girls will continue to wrestle hard,” Kyle said. “What we accomplished last week was awesome, but I don’t want the girls to think we are done, and I know they don’t. They are excited and amped up for Friday.”
The Chargers had two sectional champions including Skylar Hall (115) and Hailey Kunz (145). Kunz placed fourth in the state last year.
Other Chargers advancing to the regional are Sophia Shea (130), Paige Yarger (155), Julia Shea (170), Haylee Gemino (125) and Mackenna Hudson (135).
Crawfordsville head coach Brayden Montgomery has seen his team grow. This is the first year the Athenians have fielded a team and he said his girls have learned a lot.
“I think seeing the stakes of the tournament was a good thing for the team,” Montgomery said. “They know that everyone they wrestle is bringing their ‘A-Game’ and so we must be ready as well. I tell my girls the same thing every time they go out to wrestle. Do what you know and have fun. I’m excited for them to experience this. It’s just an awesome time to be a part of this sport.”
Crawfordsville had three girls advance to today’s regional — Bianca Montes (170), Emely Herrera (110) and Bri Morales (115).
Montgomery said no matter what happens, his new program has already accomplished a lot.
“I think the girls already have success in a lot of ways,” Montgomery said. “They took a chance on themselves in a new sport and have grown so much. These girls are wrestlers now. I’m unbelievably proud of this team regardless of what happens on Friday.”
Fountain Central’s Lydia Perkins (110) and Ruby Deel (140) were sectional champions. Other Mustangs moving on to the regional are Savanna Richardson (115), Amira Welles (235) and Araya Brown (120).
