Though wrestling is considered a male-dominated sport, Lady Balers know how to make their mark. This season, the San Benito High School wrestling team consists of a nine female athletes; one of which is freshman Kira Emma. She previously wrestled for Spring Grove School and said she is excited to begin her high school career.
“Everyone is nice and the coaches are helpful,” said Emma.
Emma claims that the girls’ team has a strong bond, even though the season has just begun. Most know each other from previous sports, but new friendships have already been established. The boys also get along well with the girls, according to Emma.
As an entire team, the male and female athletes are treated as equals.
“They treat us like the guys,” said freshman wrestler Megan Kistner.
Emma said, “We are expected to do all of the same things and put in the same amount of effort for practicing moves and for conditioning.”
Coach Brian Decarli also said, “I look at the girls as another component of the team, not as a separate team.” He added that the girls are just as important to the team as any other players and that they bring “a different dynamic”.
The Baler wrestling season began on Dec. 3rd when the frosh and junior varsity teams travelled to take on Watsonville High School. The varsity team started their season on Dec. 6 at the Overfelt Tournament.
The team has high hopes for this season, especially with the additional female athletes. Emma aimed to win her first match, though a pre-season shoulder injury has delayed the start of her high school career.
Kistner came in third in her weight class in the team’s opening tournament. She plans to work hard for the remainder of the season to prove herself as a wrestler.
Decarli said he is glad that the girls’ team has gained credibility in recent years. “There are a lot of scholarship opportunities for girls,” said Decarli. He plans to see some of his female athletes move onto the college level.