Four girls make the podium in wrestling finals
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Girls’ wrestling is still in its infancy as far as the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) is concerned, but the seven girls from Howard and Tipton counties who competed at the state finals last week were anything but green.
In fact, four of the grapplers finished well enough to stand on the championship podium. Emersyn Adkins of Tipton High School placed 4th in the 170-pound weight class. And Makayela Philapy of Tri-Central finished 4th in the 135-pound weight class.
Jade Chloe Johnson of Western took 5th place in the 145-pound weight class, and Kokomo High School’s Ja’layia Williams made it to podium with a 6th place result in the 135-pound weight class.
Williams was optimistic, finishing 6th after just two years of wrestling experience. She said she enjoys the sport so much that she actively tries to recruit her friends and classmates to join the program.
“Ja’Layia having only been wrestling two years and placing is just incredible,” added Kokomo Head Coach Jacob Bough. “She is never out of a match.”
Addison Cline of Kokomo wrestled in the 130-pound weight class, and Ava Roe of Western wrestled in the 155-pound weight class. Kokomo’s Makyila Rubush fought hard in the 125-pound weight class.
After the finals, Bough offered praise for the girls and the effort they put forth this season.
“State finals was a roller coaster of emotions,” said Bough. “The excitement of getting three to State in Makyila, Addison, and Ja’Layia, then having the first two lose even though they have worked the hardest out of everyone in the room to. Then getting Ja’Layia onto the podium, I’m super proud of all three of them.
“Makyila has come so far and wants a state title even more. Taking Addison, who won 10 matches in two years at her previous school, to a State Qualifier in just eight months shows what we do over here at Kokomo!
“Having all three returning for next year is just going to set the tone in our room even more. I gave them two weeks off, and they all are asking if that means no club practice, too. They have a taste and know that hard work and positive energy and positive reinforcement is what it will take! To say I am excited for next year is an understatement!”
See additional photos from the state finals, courtesy of Adam Hartsough, on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.