Conestoga Wrestles With Starting New Sport
Girl’s Wrestling Becomes a New NSAA Sport
First ever Conestoga girl’s wrestling team pose for a photo. Throughout their season have seen great success. From left t right: Morgan H., Kylee P., Angelina F., Emory T.
Murray NEB.- This wrestling season, there was a new addition to Conestoga sports. In fact, it was a new addition to the NSAA’s list of sponsored sports. This was the first season ever where there was NSAA sanctioned girl’s wrestling. Previously, girls could wrestle while registered as members of the boys team, but now they have a league of their own.
Coached by head coach Troy Ruffner and assistant coaches Sean Trampe, Rob Everett and Bobby Hogue, the story of the Conestoga girl’s wrestling program has been one of pioneering and leadership. Coach Trampe said, “At Conestoga, we pride ourselves at being on the forefront of new ventures. When the decision was made by the NSAA to sanction girls wrestling in Nebraska, we felt that we needed to position ourselves as leaders.”
It has also been a story of success. So far this season, they have a combined record of 88 wins and 29 losses. This against some of the toughest the state of Nebraska has to offer. Of the four members on the girl’s team, Kylee P. is ranked third in the state weighing in at 107, Emory T. is ranked 10th at 126 and Morgan H. is ranked 12th at 132.
There have been some challenges. Along with those that come with starting a new program, injuries have caused a few setbacks in the season. But the girls have been able to overcome and come back even stronger.
Throughout the season, the girl’s wrestling team has proven to be a success. They have achieved much and will hopefully be able to continue to succeed as they wrap up their season. Their next competition will be the C-1 District Tournament in Nebraska City on Feb. 4 and 5. The top three girls from each weight class will then move on to the first ever NSAA girl’s wrestling state championship.
If anyone is interested in joining the girl’s wrestling team, they are always looking for wrestlers for next year. Coach Trampe encouraged anyone interested to get in contact to learn about open mat sessions in the spring and summer. That way, they can see if wrestling is right for them. He said, “The best thing you can do is give it a try. If it’s not for you, there are never any hard feelings.[…] Bet on yourself.”
John is a Sophomore at Conestoga High School. He participates in numerous fine arts and academic extracurriculars such as band, one act, speech, and FBLA....
