The girls wrestling team continues to expand at the school, with increased participation, competitive success, and a growing presence within the athletic program.

   The team is nearing a full lineup this season and recently placed first at a dual tournament. According to team members and coaches, growth has come through consistent practice, increased confidence, and strong support within the program.

   Junior Izzy Schierholz said her relationship with the sport has changed since she first joined.

   “When I first walked in, I was nervous that I was going to be bad. Now, every time I enter the room, it’s an opportunity to get better and learn more,” Schierholz said.

   This season, Schierholz took first in the conference tournament. Emmersyn Miskell also took first, with Naomi Yoder and Maranda Myers taking second place at conference.

   Schierholz said wrestling has become a space where she can challenge herself both physically and mentally. She described the sport as demanding, especially in a field that has historically been male-dominated, but said the team environment has made a difference.

   “It’s definitely more of a male-dominated sport. Girls wrestle differently, and it’s something you have to find in your heart. I love the people on this team, I love the coaches, and it’s something I can push my own potential in, for myself and my team,” Schierholz said.

   She said one of the biggest lessons wrestling has taught her is mental endurance. That lesson often shows up late in matches, when fatigue sets in and the clock continues to run.

   “Your mind tries to give up before your body does. You always have more energy than you think. You can either give up and lose, or keep pushing and win,” Schierholz said. “If you keep working and push past that ‘I can’t’ in your brain, you can accomplish anything.”

   Team dynamics have also played a major role in her experience. She said having other girls who understand the physical and emotional demands of the sport helps athletes push through challenges like intense training and weight management.

   “It helps knowing I’m not going through this alone, especially with things like cutting weight,” Schierholz said.

   She credited daily practices with teammates Lillianna Perez and Emmersyn Miskell as a consistent source of motivation.

   “Going to practice every day with Lillianna and Emmersyn impacts me very much,” Schierholz said.

   Freshman Hannah Cobb said she entered the program feeling nervous but quickly adjusted to the team environment. She said the welcoming nature of the program helped ease the transition into a demanding sport.

  “I felt very, very nervous. Now I feel like there is no need to be nervous, because our program, teammates, and coaches are very welcoming,” Cobb said.

   Cobb said losses have played a key role in her development as an athlete. Rather than focusing solely on outcomes, she said the team emphasizes learning and improvement.

   “Sometimes you need to fail in life to learn how to succeed. Every loss is an opportunity for growth,” she said.

   She said being underestimated before matches has pushed her to improve.

   “Being underestimated honestly drives me more to be better and prove my name,” Cobb said.

   Cobb encourages students who may be unsure about joining wrestling to consider the long-term benefits.

“It’s 110 percent worth it. It teaches a lot of mental growth. People will judge you, but that will just make you better,” Cobb said.

   The team’s coach, Aspen Longworth, said building the girls wrestling program required intentional effort and long-term commitment. She said the focus from the beginning extended beyond wins and losses.

   “Building this program took a clear vision, strong principles, and people who believed in our athletes,” Longworth said.

   She said the coaching staff emphasizes discipline, accountability, and character development, alongside athletic performance.

   “Wrestling provides incredible opportunities for girls, including leadership development, personal growth, and pathways to many college scholarships and future success.” Longworth said.

   According to the coach, success is not always reflected on the scoreboard. She said difficult matches often provide the greatest opportunities for growth.

   “Growth often comes from tough losses. Progress, effort, and improvement are the true measures of success,” Longworth said.

   The coach said participation in girls wrestling has contributed to a more inclusive school culture, with increased visibility and support for female athletes.

   “Girls wrestling has created a more inclusive environment where athletes feel supported and excited to participate,” Longworth said.

   She highlighted Schierholz as an example of long-term growth within the program.

   “She has grown into a strong athlete and an even stronger individual, becoming a respected   leader and role model,” Longworth said.

   Looking ahead, the coach said programs like girls wrestling are especially important in rural or small-town schools, where access to diverse athletic opportunities can be limited.

   “They create opportunity, build confidence, and open doors that may not otherwise be available,” Longworth said.

   She said she hopes athletes remember more than just competition results.

   “I hope they remember the tough moments that shaped them, the lessons that prepared them for life, and the pride of being part of something meaningful,” Longworth said.