Thirteen girls have been training for the last three weeks as West Delaware’s first-ever girls wrestling team. 

Head Coach Dale Meyer is excited to hit the ground running with the young program.

“We are able to build something from the ground up and be the first-ever girls wrestling program,” Meyer said. “These ladies get the opportunity to do something special. Rarely, do you get to be the first in life to try something like this.” 

Meyer hopes to use his past experiences to coach the girls. 

“I’ve been very blessed to be part of one of the best boys’ programs in the state with guys that I feel are the best coaches,” Meyer said. “I want to try to build the same type of family culture following the same core values of being thankful for the opportunity to wrestle, being aggressive and relentless, being unafraid to lose or make mistakes, and to never ever give up.”

He’s not the only one who is ready for the season to start rolling either. Sophomore Hannah Cantwell is also ready to get the season rolling. 

“It’s a new experience,” Cantwell said. “I’m excited that I get to do something different. The first meet, I want to get a few takedowns and win at least one match, just to see where I am (as a wrestler) compared to the rest of the field.”

Meyer believes that wrestling will benefit the girls from a personal standpoint as well. 

“It will provide another opportunity for young ladies to showcase their talents and be part of a positive group,” Meyer said. “Another goal is to build confidence for them as people and student-athletes.” 

The team consists of Abigail O’Rear (11), Samantha Murray (11), Addison Burger (10), Hannah Cantwell (10), Kloee Chrystal (10), Ella Goedken (10), Kendra Lux (10), Kylee Shoop (10), Alexis Bunting (9), Anna O’Rear (9), Livvy Petlon (9), and Addesyn Welcher (9).