wrestling tournament Sunday in Hilliard. (PHOTO SUBMITTED)
FOR THE EXAMINER
Bellefontaine seniors Makayla Young and Chelsea Horsley have been on a trail blazing path the past three seasons. The culmination of their high school wrestling careers comes this weekend as they prepare for the Ohio High School Wrestling Association girls state tournament.
The Chieftain duo will be making their third and final trip to state after an already impressive finish the past two years. Horsley won a state championship in 2020 and was state runner-up last season. Young has placed third both times.
The girls state tournament is Saturday and Sunday at Hilliard Davidson High School. The top eight place at each weight class. Wrestling begins Saturday at 11 a.m. with two championship rounds and two consolation rounds.
Wrestling concludes Sunday starting at 11 a.m.
Any wrestler still competing on Sunday will be a state placer.
“All year, I talk to them about controlling their attitude and effort,” said BHS head coach Brady Hiatt.
“Those are things which can be controlled. Control what they can control and the results will take care of themselves. Obviously, I and they want to win, but wrestling their absolute best is their goal.”
The Ohio High School Athletic Association recently approved girls wrestling to be a sanctioned sport starting next season. This will be the final girls state tournament organized by the coaches association.
Young and Horsley both won district championships last Sunday at Marysville during the Northwest district tournament. Young went 2-0 with two pins to easily win the 100-pound weight class, while Horsley went 3-0 with two pins and medical forfeit to win the 105-pound weight class.
“It’s a good feeling knowing you’re the best in the district and have been for a few years,” said Young.
“My goal is a state championship, just like it has been my sophomore year. I want to make sure my improvements are displayed when it comes to technique and mental strength.”
“It feels great being a district champion,” said Horsley. “My goal this weekend is to give my all and try to get the job done. I’ve been working all season for this and I’m going to try my hardest to bring home another state title.”
Hiatt has the same goals for both is standouts when the step on the mat at state this weekend.
“I want Chelsea to wrestle aggressive, composed and gritty matches,” said Hiatt. “If she does that she’ll be wrestling her best and the winning will take care of itself. Champions focus on their performances, not the results.
“I have the same goals for Mak. I want her to wrestle like she has all year with grit, confidence and composure.
If she does that, she will be a very tough out.”
With two previous trips to the state podium, Young admits there is a little more pressure this time to reach the top of that podium.
“There is a little more pressure knowing it’s my last chance at becoming a state champion,” said Young. “I know I have a lot of state and national achievements, but a state championship is one that I don’t have. I have people rooting for me and I don’t want to disappoint them or myself.”
Horsley experienced what it’s like to be a state champion two years ago.
With one final chance to relive that moment, there is a surreal feeling about this weekend.
“All good things have to come to an end,” said Horsley. “I don’t think I feel different about this trip to state. I know I’m going to have to go in there with a great mindset and give it my all until it comes down to the final second.”
Brunson representing Lakers at state
Indian Lake will also be represented at the girls state tournament this weekend by sophomore Isabel Brunson. She went 3-1 with three pins to place third at 110 pounds.
“We’re really excited and proud of Isabel for what she has accomplished,” said IL head coach Ryan Dickson. “She is just in her second year of wrestling so it’s exciting to see how far she has come in a short amount of time.” Brunson is the first Laker girl to qualify for state. She is also the only girl on the team, having to compete with boys every day at practice.
“She has paved the way for more Laker ladies to pursue our great sport,” said Dickson. “Hopefully, this will be the first of many to come. We are super proud of Isabel and want her to compete to the top of her ability and to be proud of her results no matter the outcome.”