As their first tournament took place last weekend, the Findlay Girls Wrestling team significantly expanded and is beginning to create a name for themselves. Last year, four ladies were a part of the boys team. Now, the girls have a team of their own.

Both wrestling teams had their first tournament last week at the Hamilton Township Tournament. The girls and boys teams placed first in their tournaments.

Carmen Pizana, Kate Simmons, and Laney Oliver got first in their weight classes. Mallory Sheets, Riley Toulhalisky, Olivia Gill, and Taylor Nichols got second in their weight classes. Esmeralda Schroeder placed third in her weight class.

The girls’ next tournament is on their home turf. On December 16 and 17, the Findlay wrestling teams will host an invitational at Findlay High School.

“[I’m looking forward to] our biggest tournament, the FIGHT Tournament here next week,” sophomore Laney Oliver said. “There’s girls coming from all over the country to the school.”

Laney Oliver was a member of the team last year and finished second in the state. She is one of the leaders of the girls team as she continues to grow with her teammates.

“It’s been pretty nice,” Oliver added. “You’re meeting new people every day and every practice.”

The returning wrestlers combined with the newcomers to form a girls team of their own. The veteran members worked hard at the beginning of the school year to recruit female wrestlers.

The new members range from freshman to senior, and with the help of returning wrestlers and Coach Kirian, the girls won their first tournament.

“Lowkey I was really nervous that I was going to embarrass myself,” senior Taylor Nichols said. “But it turned out okay because we are all learning together. It’s all coming together all at once.”

The Findlay Girls Wrestling team is at the very beginning of their season. They compete in tournaments and invitationals throughout Ohio until the middle of February, and their regional tournament is in March. Good luck Trojans!