Boys and Girls Conjoined No Longer

By: Alic Burkett

Culver Community Middle/High School now has its own girls’ wrestling team. Not only are high school girls able to compete, but middle school as well. Although it may be a struggle for the younger girls to remain consistent with the older girls, the learning experience will grow their skills.

“I love the fact that we have middle school ladies on the team. They are learning all the skills right along with the high school girls,” said assistant coach Triston Rodriguez. “If they continue, they will be unstoppable by the time they are seniors!”

In addition to the girls having a new wrestling team, they also have a new teacher to guide them. Middle school social studies teacher Raeanne Stevens has taken the opportunity as head coach. With limited knowledge and experience, she has taken on the challenge, but she agreed to the position knowing she wouldn’t be doing it alone.

“Our assistant coach, Triston Rodriguez, is a 2 time state qualifier. It is fantastic to have his expertise guiding the women,” said coach Stevens.“It is pretty exciting seeing the girls get aggressive. The growth the girls have shown since day 1 is amazing.”

Before girls had their own team, they had to tussle with the boys’ wrestling team. Now that they have switched over to an entirely different team with a completely different coach, the wrestlers have noticed some differences. The intensity and ability to joke around has become distinctive to the team.

“It’s very different between the two, the one thing that stands out is the level of seriousness. When it was conjoined it was very serious,” said sophomore Lilly Kuykendoll. “But now the girl wrestlers are able to joke while being able to learn and do new things.”

Lady wrestlers having their first team, shows that girls are just as important and can participate in such a wonderful and competitive sport. Separate teams allow the players and coaches to receive their own recognition. Giving the girls the opportunity to have their own team acknowledges the spotlight they merit.

“To give the girls their own teams and coaches lets them get the attention they deserve. There is an aura around this sport that stays with you for life,” said assistant coach Triston Rodriguez. “They get to experience it full on. It is exciting to say the least!”