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.
We finished 39th out 81 schools at state. — Coach Ryan 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.
Kara wins 4th place at districts, qualifying her for state.
Syria takes the win of the match.
Syria takes 4th place, qualifying her for state.
Shavon takes 4th at districts, qualifying her for state.
Cecile takes 2nd at districts, qualifying her for state.
Kara Schemkes is one win away from a medal.
Cecile takes the win of the match
Cecile Puati receives the GAC North Girls wrestler of the year.
