A contact sport that requires significant strength and particular weight demands, wrestling is often determined to be a male dominated activity.
But in the case of SJHHS, the few female wrestlers are possibly some of the most dedicated athletes on the campus.
With a small program—and an even smaller female division—wrestling is certainly an underdog among the world of SJHHS sports. Making the most of their situation has not been easy, but the girls know their way around a mat.
Grace Holley (12) entered as a freshman with the intention to maintain a rigorous workout schedule, and yet she quickly found a place among the other wrestlers.
“It’s a really good community, and everyone is really nice and supportive,” said Holley.
A majority of wrestlers viewed the no-cut sport as a great opportunity to replace physical education, and yet it has set a foundation for community and determination.
“It was at first kind of scary, because I didn’t know anybody, and it was weird because I also didn’t have any background in it. It was fun, because I met people eventually [and] I ended up hanging out with others and they slowly taught me techniques, step by step. They would help me,” said Jennifer Martinez Mendez (9).
However, even with a relatively positive experience, wrestlers have found it apparent that the common stereotypes remain persistent.
“[The stereotype] is that guys or people outside of [wrestling] think that because you’re a girl, you have much lower techniques and strength. But the reality is it doesn’t matter if you’re in a bigger weight class or if you are a guy or a girl. The truth is that it’s mostly based on how you learn and your skill,” said Martinez Mendez.
In general, wrestling has provided a sense of success and fulfillment for the girls.
“I think it was last year. I did really great in a tournament. And I won, so I got a medal. It was just really fun. I like the feeling of winning,” said Catherine Reynoso (11).
These girls may be perceived as underdogs, but they have certainly created a legacy on the wrestling team. Female wrestlers are more skilled than one may think, a trait proved by the wrestlers.
