Numbers down, but Minerva girls wrestling has lots of talent

Across the scholastic landscape, girls wrestling is a growing sport, but like all new ventures, it will go through growing pains.

Such is the case at Minerva High. Although the sport continues to gain in popularity, the number of participants is down this season from the year before.

Entering his second season in charge of the program at Minerva, head coach Sammy Southers was no doubt pained to see Bridget Hilliard, Sarah Sphon, and Aaleyah Barrett go out the door with their diplomas. Hilliard, who wrestled at 110 pounds, was a state qualifier, as was Sphon, who wrestled at 120, while Barrett, who was a district qualifier, wrestled at 125. All three seniors were named to the Eastern Buckeye Conference’s first team.

The Lions may have lost two wrestlers who advanced to Columbus, but thankfully, that’s not everyone as sophomore Bailey Hilliard is back for another run to state. Hilliard, who competed at 105 as a freshman, lost by technical fall in her opening round at the state tourney. She bounced back in the consolation bracket, winning a decision on points to keep her tournament hopes alive. However, in the second round of consolations, Hilliard was pinned, ending her first trip to the state tournament.

Other letter winners returning to the mats include senior Rachel Weaver (135) and juniors Ellie Kuttie (115) and Bella Scarry (145). All three were named to the EBC’s second team last season. Meanwhile, Allison Sullivan and Emery Cell are two potential newcomers to the team who, according to Southers, “have been to nearly every open practice we have had.”

The numbers may be smaller than last year, when the Lion placed in the top ten at the Mentor District tournament, but Southers is confident the bonds will be strong.

“The strength of this team will come from our support in each other and the community that supports us,” he said. “We have several new wrestlers who will have to acclimate to the sport but when we get over that hump it will be smooth sailing.”

Contending in the EBC is the goal for the Lions, who finished with a 5-2 mark that included going 4-1 in the conference. Odds are, Minerva will come up against rival Carrollton, and odds are, Southers will have his crew ready.

“I believe we have the ability to win some duals and be competitive in our league,” the coach said.