Since 3,000 B.C., based on cave drawings in France, wrestling has grown drastically. Wrestling was originally used to train for strength and entertainment during the Roman Empire. Though some sports have changed from their original use, wrestling continues to keep the same fundamentals. Now, in 2024, there has been an increase of athletes that have grown an interest in wrestling – even girls.
Marlayna Rolison (9) enjoys the environment and the teammates that wrestling gives her.
“Wrestling is empowering. There isn’t a better feeling than having your hand raised on a mat in front of your friends, family, coaches and teammates. Any girl can wrestle. You just have to be willing to get up and try,” Rolison said.
Girls wrestling has brought a new age to the sport, in both popularity and power. In 1990, only 112 girls wrestled in the United States. Now over 14,500 girls are wrestling either in a high school league or club wrestling. With a 46% average increase, many women are using wrestling to feel empowered, improve discipline, boost self-esteem, mental toughness and confidence. Some girls have now joined the wrestling team at Spartanburg High School and are going against other girls in the region. Dessa Nunez (10), LoLo Smith (10) and other female athletes at SHS are helping to grow girls wrestling and encourage many others.
The wrestlers at Spartanburg High School, in general, have had a great season so far. With many winning their matches at their tournament on January 13, the athletes have grown in skill. Micah Hall (10), Mark Gauthier (12), Mason Foster-Peake (11), Jaden Foster-Peake (12), Dessa Nunez (10) and Bella Moore (10) have all had outstanding seasons. From the weight room to the mats, the wrestling team is working hard to win their matches.
Hall was inspired by his friends to wrestle and likes improving in skill.
“My favorite parts of wrestling are just getting better every day and showing my improvements under the lights. Wrestling for Spartanburg High School is the best, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Hall said.
Coaches from other sports, like football, have recommended wrestling to their players to build endurance. The concentration and strength required for wrestling can also be used for tackling someone in football or in soccer when fighting for the ball. Wrestling skills can be used outside of sports and in daily life. By creating routines and building a good lifestyle, many wrestlers are well-rounded. The wrestling coaches at SHS have encouraged their wrestlers develop these same characteristics.
Gerard Gauthier, head wrestling coach and English teacher, was inspired by his uncle to wrestle and has been involved in the sport since.
“My uncle wrestled, so I had an interest in wrestling at a young age. I participated in several sports, but wrestling was my favorite in high school. When I earned my teaching certificate, I began helping as a coach at Spartanburg High School as a football and wrestling coach,” Gauthier said.
