WCHS is always introducing new sports. The past year the athletic program and FHSAA recognized Girl Wrestling as a “new” sport. Chapel has had wrestling in the past, but it was coed then meaning both boys and girls would be under the same schedule. With Girl’s Wrestling starting in November the girls have made a huge impact in the new sport with there many accomplishments.

Coach Fleshood is the current coach for both Boy’s and Girl’s wrestling. With this being the first year that Girl’s wrestling is it’s own sport, Coach Fleshood believes that the girls are going to set a good ground level for future female wrestlers. “This is my inaugural Girl’s Wrestling Team, so everything we do this year will be a first for Chapel Girl’s Wrestling.” Unlike many sports, Girls wrestling promises a spot for every girl in the districts. Coach Fleshood has high hopes for each of his wrestlers. “Every girl wrestler will participate in the district tournament. Depending upon how each individual girl does at the district tournament will determine whether or not they will move on to the regional tournament. All of my athletes have an opportunity to progress to the regional tournament”

Girl’s Wrestling is a very difficult sport, but very enjoyable. Briana O’Neil 10th grader (First year wrestler),  explained why she joined Wrestling. “I joined cause it’s a way to get your anger out and I thought it would be fun to try something new and it is”.  Briana’s favorite thing about wrestling is being around people who show support to each other. Paisley Murphy 9th grader (First year wrestler), also talked about why she enjoys Girl’s Wrestling. “…it teaches you perseverance and what hard work really is and it gives me a healthy way to relieve negative emotions and thoughts and stress”.

A typical practice for Girl’s wrestling is very different then other sports. Coach Fleshood explained what the girl’s have to do on a day to day practice, ” A normal practice will start with about 45 minutes to an hour of conditioning, then we go for about an hour of technique. The final hour we usually live wrestle.” Meet’s are a different story. “For a meet, the girls will have to weigh-in and do a skin and fingernail check via the referees. After weigh-ins, there is usually about 45 minutes for the wrestlers to eat and warm-up. Once the meet begins, the wrestlers will wrestle anywhere between 3-5 matches depending on how many teams are there and how many girls are in each of their respective weight classes.” Coach Fleshood explained the inside of a usual meet.

Wesley Chapel’s athletic program is excited to introduce Girl’s Wrestling this year. With it being a new sport, this year’s girls are setting the bar for future years. Starting in November the girls only have a few more matches until they can advance to districts and further. So go out and support WCHS’ lady wrestlers!