Scarlett Henery

In recent years, Marian’s wrestling team has grown in numbers and is on the rise with its new facility in the works. This sport has excelled, with many of its athletes making it to state competitions. But what many don’t realize is how hard these athletes are working both their minds and bodies. 

Wrestling, in general, is seen as a predominantly male interest sport. With the stereotypes of it being too aggressive, physically demanding and mentally draining, many would not label this as a “female sport.” Marian has proved to fight back on this sexist ideology and inspires these girls to be both mentally and physically fit.

 Being an athlete at Marian certainly has its perks. Senior Tessa Brooks says that the all-girl environment has allowed girls to “be willing to try wrestling in a place where there aren’t boys to say anything about it.” 

Sophomore Dakota Giwoyna says that the Marian environment helps facilitate “friendly and non-toxic competition between our teammates.” Marian has girls that will support you when you fail, be there to celebrate when you succeed, and cheer you on when you need it most.

Coming to the competitions hypes the athletes up and shows them how strong they can be. Giwoyna says that she “finds it very empowering to show that women can do wrestling just as well, or even better than men.” 

 Wrestling is known for being one of the most mentally challenging sports. It’s a good team they need most to support them. Sophomore Keely Robbins says that her team “is one of the most bonded teams I know.” She explains they are always there for her after a bad match. 

Brooks feels comfortable reaching out to anyone on the team and they can all easily point out areas of improvement after matches. Robbins agrees that the community they’ve built makes it easy to feel supported no matter the outcome of a match.

Coach Lauren Barefoot says that “you only truly lose if you’ve walked off the mat and haven’t truly learned anything.” She says she is there as a coach and mentor to provide valuable information after those losses to make the team better. Even when they are alone on the mat, they have a team waiting for them after the match.

Wrestling differs from many sports in the aspect that it is completely independent. When the athletes compete, they are on the mat competing alone against one other person. When they lose, Brooks says, it’s easy to blame themselves since unlike a team sport, they’re the only one putting in the effort for a win. Brooks says that “losing can take a serious toll on your mind, and you have to be able to put in the work mentally to know your worth in and outside of the sport.” 

On the other hand, Robbins says that the independent aspect has made her know how strong she can be going face to face with another person and win. 

Coach Barefoot reiterates this by saying shes seen how her athletes have “found confidence to overcome tough matches, and wrestling has taught them that they can do hard things.”

Crusader wrestlers are passionate about the sport, and are constantly training the best they can to succeed. Giwoyna says that wrestling has given her “a sense of belonging” and keeps her pushing towards her goals. They are ready to work in order to reach their team goals. 

With the support of their teammates and the Marian community, the wrestling team is bound for even more success this season.