On Wednesday, Feb. 21, four girls competed at the State wrestling tournament in Columbia: senior Kara Schemkes (190), sophomores Cecile Puati (100) and Syria Bell (120), and freshman Shavon Kyem (110). They hope to have more girls qualify next year.
“Next year we return three out of four qualifiers. We hope to qualify more. As a team, we had multiple girls get close to qualifying for State, so hopefully next year those girls can make it through districts,” said Coach Hanmore.
Sophomore Syria Bell not only wants to qualify, but hopes to actually medal next year.
“I’m going to try to go next year and then actually place this time,” Bell said.
One out of the four girls who went State placed. Puati got fifth place overall in the 100 lbs. weight class. She has high hopes for next year.
“I’m definitely trying to go next year since I realized how easy it was,” Puati said.
Overall everyone seemed pleased with the results including Coach Hanmore.
“The girls wrestled their best at the State tournament,” Hanmore said. “While Cecile was the only one to place, all of the girls wrestled their best. Syria Bell and Kara Schemkes were just one win away from medaling at State.”
The team finished 39th out of 81 schools at State.