A new era in girls wrestling
In one year, the Cedar Shoals girls wrestling team went from not even having enough participants to qualify as a team to winning their first dual on Jan. 9 31-30, the first girls team win in Cedar Shoals history. Currently seven female athletes make up the team.
Coach Stanley Lattimore feels that the girls were able to put that aside and still come out with the win by keeping a clear head and keeping their composure throughout a physically and mentally intense match.
“They came out very feisty, physical, but also came to compose. And they knew it was going to be a tough duel, but they kept their composure,” Lattimore said.
According to GHSA a school must have seven weight classes covered to participate in a Region/Area Dual Tournament. After moving from only two participants last season to seven now, Lattimore wants to expand the program and is hoping for more participation.
“Right now, our biggest issue is numbers are more so than anything. But, the girls are actually great about recruiting themselves also. So I’m hoping to continue to continue to grow,” Lattimore said.
Senior wrestler Sarah Harrelson feels wrestling was a better experience this year because of all the opportunities that opened up with having a bigger team.
“Last year we weren’t able to go to some meets because we didn’t have enough people. But, this year we could go and had a great time. That’s an opportunity we didn’t have,” Harrelson said.
While last year the girls wrestling team didn’t have the chance to prove what they were capable of, this year they were able to show everyone how strong they were.
“I think most of the girls that are in there are really tough. They like to do what they do, so that’s different from what it was before,” Umana said.
