The PMHS wrestling program has been one of the most successful sports at the school, with continued team success and numerous individual accolades. . With all the hype and prestige that comes with being a wrestler, more students are inclined to join.

This year, there is a record number of 91 wrestlers, 26 more than last year. 

The increase in members is a result of coach Matt Schoettle recruiting students with high athleticism in other sports, such as soccer or cross country.

“The coaches have made an effort to increase diversity in the team,” Schoettle says.

Over the summer, the wrestling locker room was also renovated to accommodate more athletes. However, the larger room still does not fit the needs of the team.The renovation was paid for by the coaches, who completed it themselves. The room has 78 lockers, leaving some boys to share.

In addition to a new locker room, there are two new female wrestlers: senior Kelsi Miller and sophomore Ga’Mia Epperson. It has been four years since the team has had a female wrestler.

“I’ve been around [wrestling] my whole life,” Miller says. “I just wanted to try it.” The female competitors face unique challenges on a male-focused team, but the girls remain optimistic.

“I had to work a lot harder than my team because I was the only girl and I always wanted to do better,” Epperson says.

The team started its season Wednesday with WrestleMania and will compete tomorrow at the Capital City Classic in Beech Grove, followed by the John Hurrle Tournament in Greenwood and the Brownsburg Invitational in Brownsburg.