News Summary

The girls wrestling program at Perry High School is thriving in its second year, doubling its roster and setting the stage for future success in wrestling. With strong local support and talented athletes, the team aims to achieve recognition similar to the boys’ team. Under dedicated coaching, young female wrestlers like Emma Shephard and Carolyn Geckler are breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation in this rapidly growing sport. The community is rallying behind these athletes, signaling a promising future for girls wrestling.

Perry High School is Empowering Young Female Athletes Through Wrestling

In the bustling town of Perry, excitement is brewing at Perry High School as the young women’s wrestling program enters its second year, aiming to capture the same glory as the illustrious boys wrestling team. With a rich history of success, the boys have long established themselves as a powerhouse in the state, and now it’s time for the girls to make their mark on the wrestling mat.

Growing from Eight to Sixteen

This season, the girls wrestling team has doubled its roster size from just eight eager athletes during its inaugural season to a robust sixteen grapplers. This surge in participation speaks volumes about the growing interest in girls wrestling across the nation, which has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. Under the **passionate leadership** of Coach Gary Define, who is dedicated to fostering a competitive yet supportive environment, the team is beginning to develop a strong culture that aims for state-level success.

Building the Foundations for Success

When the program was first introduced, there were some initial hesitations among locals regarding whether wrestling was too rough for young women. However, with the support of the school administration and the thriving boys wrestling program, doubts were quickly dispelled. Over the past two years, the girl’s team has not only gained acceptance but has also achieved notable success. During their first season, athletes placed impressively in various tournaments, which included a state placer. Among these standouts was Emma Shephard, who clinched a fourth-place finish at the state tournament.

Star Wrestlers Rising

Shephard is not just a random wrestler; she’s deeply rooted in this sport. Growing up in a wrestling family with three older brothers undoubtedly fueled her passion. Another promising talent, Mia Forberg, joined the team as a novice and quickly discovered her competitive spirit resonated with wrestling, highlighting the sport’s ability to pull in young women looking for a new challenge.

With fresh talent arriving each year, the future looks bright for the program. Freshman Carolyn Geckler stands out as an exciting prospect, already boasting All-American honors in the 16U National Freestyle division before even stepping foot in high school. The prospect of having athletes like Geckler represent Perry is energizing the community and attracting interest from younger girls in junior high and youth wrestling programs.

The Ripple Effect of Previous Success

With each passing season, the success of the girls’ wrestling team becomes a catalyst, motivating even more young athletes to join the ranks. The results from previous competitions have shown students and parents alike that girls can excel in wrestling, breaking stereotypes and changing perceptions. Shephard’s recent achievements have inspired her teammates and peers alike, with a shared commitment to improve individually and collectively.

A National Trend Toward Inclusion

The growing culture of girls wrestling at Perry aligns with a broader national trend that recognizes the importance of women’s participation in contact sports, much like the popularity seen in the UFC and boxing. As the girls’ program continues to flourish, it enjoys strong support from the community, which has rallied behind these athletes since the program’s inception.

Aiming for Big Dreams

The ultimate goal of Perry’s women’s wrestling program is to achieve the same level of recognition and success as the boys’ team. With a rapidly expanding roster, dedicated coaching, and a supportive community, the future shines brightly for the girls in Perry. As the program grows, so does its potential to inspire the next generation of female wrestlers who are ready to step into the spotlight and make their own mark.

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