In the first season of the Fox Chapel Area girls wrestling program, there were a number of successes on which to build.
As the program enters its second season, it has significantly increased the number of team members and looks forward to even more success on the mat.
“I would say it was successful,” said coach Laura Ward of the team’s initial campaign. “We had 14 girls. They were all fantastic and exceeded my expectations.”
The Foxes amassed a 3-7 record and finished 14th at the North Allegheny Invitational Tournament and 16th at the Mt. Lebanon Blue Devil Girls Winter Classic.
Three members of the team medaled at the WPIAL tournament – Ava McCaffrey, Vie Filar, and Atia DiGioia. Atia placed fourth at 106 pounds and qualified for the WPIAL tournament. Atia also placed sixth in the NA Tournament. Emma Srodes placed third at 112 pounds, and Yuqi Zhou took seventh at 130 pounds at that tourney.
An important characteristic of this year’s team is that it should have someone for every weight class, something that was missing in many matches last season, costing the team precious points. The roster has increased from 14 to 21.
“We did some heavy recruiting,” coach Ward said. “We did get some girls who want to be there and are eager to learn. I think we’re going to be able to fill all 13 spots. Last year ,that really hurt us. We didn’t have some of the upper weights last year, and we have that this year, which is very exciting. We’ll be out there competing in every match.”
Coach Ward was able to bring some experience to the program as she grew up in a family with a strong wrestling background. However, last season was a learning experience not only for the team, but for her as well.
“I was a scorekeeper from seventh grade on,” she recalled. “I came into the program with an understanding of the rules and how to keep score, but I didn’t understand the terms of the moves. We were all learning together. Now, we’re able to teach the new girls. We’re able to demonstrate, explain, and teach. Last year, we (the coaches) were on the same level as the girls. It’s easier this year because we have that background knowledge.”
Yuqi, now a senior, is expected to lead the squad, coming off a season in which she led the team in victories and pins.
“She has such an admirable work ethic,” coach Ward said. “She just never stops working. She’s always there. She wants to learn. She’s so driven.”
Big things also are expected from Emma, a junior, who coach Ward described as “so tough.” She will wrestle again at 112 pounds.
Atia, a junior this year, is another wrestler on whom coach Ward will depend on this season.
Emma and Atia are also members of the school’s field hockey team.
“They’re just so physically tough and mentally tough, and so athletic,” coach Ward said. “It’s so much fun to watch them.”
A newcomer to the team is sophomore Niyana Matthews.
“She just has natural ability,” coach Ward said. “I’m really excited to watch her grow. We show her something new, and it just clicks, and she takes it.”
Some of the toughest competition is expected to come from schools such as Pine-Richland and North Allegheny, a program in its third year.
The season begins Dec. 4 at Peters Township.
“It will be interesting to see how we match up with some of the older standing programs,” coach Ward said. “(The girls on our team) all have a pretty good mindset of not giving up. The veterans can teach the newer girls on the team not to give up and not to get discouraged. I think our girls realize it’s a long season, and if they don’t have the success they want initially, just keep working, and it will come.”