In sports, seniors drive the culture. Veterans of teams uphold high standards and guide new teammates under a common goal: success. Girls wrestling is a fast growing sport and has piqued the interest of many for the “mental toughness” and discipline it takes. What is just under the surface though is a lifestyle athletes strive to be part of. 

  The team and the coaches create an environment open to growth and acceptance. “I want everyone to feel welcomed and have a place to come to where they can be themselves and confide in a good role model,” Coach Jared McKinley said. 

This year new members get to look up to the senior leaders who have paved the way. “Our senior leadership has done a really good job with the new girls…we are lucky to have that kind of leadership,” Coach Matt Schoettle said. 

The girls team has authentically built one another up. “I remember I lost a match and it was pretty difficult on me and my whole team was there for me. Everybody gave me constructive criticism but also told me what I did well,” senior Leeah Shelton said. 

While it may be hard to take criticism from peers or teammates, this team values it.

“We’re just very open to each other and we are confrontational to each other and I think that’s part of the thing with our team is that we accept criticism from each other,” Senior Bella Osterhoudt said. 

This has allowed for the team to grow together. They do not hesitate to give their fullest support to one another. “Praise is a big thing for me, just knowing that people see that I’m working hard,” Junior Khloe VanderMay said.

Amongst feedback about what can be improved, there is a heavy emphasis on positivity and playing to each individual’s needs. As the sport is rather new, this balance between the new and experienced is crucial to retain the athlete. Hence why the coaches also uphold this hard work and praise philosophy.

“If you want them to run through a brick wall for you, you’re going to have to show them love, build them up and be hard on them when they aren’t reaching those standards,” Coach McKinley said. He can be seen at every girls meet, on the mat ready to coach them through it. “I really appreciate all their efforts and hard work,” he said.

However, this is a collective coaching effort through the practices. 

“We always try and stay positive because it is a brand new team,” Coach Schoettle said, “but we have high expectations because we’ve done pretty well.”

After building the program for a few years the legacy of Perry Meridian wrestling is growing its roots on the girls side. 

“The success speaks for itself: all the hard work,” Coach McKinley said, “…when you’re united you can always reach higher grounds.” 

The teams work ethic and strong companionship has been seen in their success and the team knows its importance. “You can’t become a good wrestler without a good team,” Shelton said.

PMHS girls wrestling has only one of five full line ups in the state and a total of 22 members on the team. Having a full lineup ensures not having to forfeit matches but also means there is someone close in weight to practice with. In 2022 the team was a third of the size it is now. Strong leaders have retained and gained members.  

“The coach can only say so much so the [veterans] fill in those missing pieces,” Coach McKinley said. Those who started the culture from scratch have built a team girls want to join.

“After every premeet I tell them to have fun and I love them,” Osterhoudt said, “…losses are lessons and you don’t truly fail if you try.”