Season two of Girls Wrestling at Chesterton High School began in mid-November, and so far, it has been full of excitement and success. The team has gone up against many schools in the area between several duels and invitationals, during which the wrestlers have fully solidified their new yet dominating presence in the Duneland Athletic Conference.
Since the start of the season, the Girls Wrestling team has overtaken Bishop Knoll, Lake Central, Michigan City, and Portage, to name a few, not to mention various wins in one day, the outcome of the three invitationals they have participated in so far. When it is 1v1 on the floor, the best wrestler wins, an obvious result to any onlookers, and of course, the panel of judges. For a team to win as a whole, points are earned from each team member’s victory and added up for a total score. The team with the most successful athletes wins, and in most matches involving the Trojans this fall, the triumphant were yours truly.
“Do what you know,” recalls junior wrestler Artemis Haney of the team’s strategy for conquest, “and don’t get in your head.”
Haney has been wrestling since their freshman year, along with participating in several other sports that showcase strength and dedication. With 12 wins, not including forfeits, and only 3 losses this season, Haney reports that the 2025 season is personally their best yet. They are especially proud of defeating their opponent from Penn on her home turf at the Sarah Hildebrandt Invitational, as her record was quite impressive until she ran into Haney. Their goal, likewise to the rest of the team, is simply to improve and outshine the wrestler they were last season, which they evidently have already achieved. In agreement with Haney, the rest of the team agrees that this season is off to a fantastic start, indicative of a victorious middle and end.
Apart from growing as athletes, the team also strives to grow in numbers. As it is only the second year of Girls Wrestling in existence, the team consists of mighty players in small numbers. In wrestling, the age-old notion of quality over quantity is beyond applicable; it is the standard.
“We’re a lot more close-knit [this year],” says Haney, “and since there are so few of us, we all know each other.”
The success of team chemistry in the case of Girls Wrestling is possibly the most honorable win, one that none of them desire to change. However, Haney notes that with more teammates comes more encouragement, a huge part of wrestling, given the proximity of the audience to the athletes. When one wrestler is out on the mat, the rest of their team is in the stands cheering them on. Although the team compensates well for their small numbers, a larger team would build strength and enthusiasm up from high to unstoppable levels. The Girls Wrestling team hopes to increase their woman power whilst maintaining their intimate bonds with one another.
“You should all join,” suggests Haney.
“It’s very fun!”
Coming up, the Trojans will face Crown Point, Merrillville, and many others at the LaPorte and DeKalb invitationals. As the season progresses, the exceptional stamina and zeal of the Girls Wrestling team grows with every event, as well as the friendship and support the team provides each other. The teams that lie in their path stand small chances to outperform the Trojan wrestlers in any of these areas.
