Girls’ wrestling has seen a large jump in popularity throughout this past year, even here at Point Pleasant Boro High School. Our wrestling team has been increasing its female wrestlers, adding to the original team members Charlize Schalm and Eliza Toth, whom I got to interview, The increase in women joining the sport has become an opening for girls all over the country. 

Thanks to some great information from Mr. Grainer, the Assistant Wrestling Coach for our team here at Point Boro, I gained some insight into the world of wrestling. Coach Grainer noted that, “Charlize Schlam is the legitimate trailblazer of Girls Wrestling in Point Pleasant. She competed against boys in youth and middle school. As a freshman, she was the only girl on the team.” 

Grainer also noted how Charlize inspired her under-classman Eliza Toth, a sophomore this year. He praised Eliza’s strong ability to adapt quickly as she took sixth in the region last season. He ended by explaining how more girls have shown interest in joining the high school team this year and said how thrilled he is about the increase in popularity.

I had the opportunity to interview one of the female wrestlers from last year, Eliza Toth. When asked about why she chose this sport Eliza replied, “I wanted something that would challenge me and Charlize really pushed me to join the team too. I thought it would be like a new beginning for me and I also thought it would help improve my mental state.” She wanted something new and fresh, so wrestling seemed like a good sport to join! 

When asked about the upcoming season and what she is most looking forward to, Toth responded, “I am actually so excited for the season! One of my main goals is to go to States this year and win regions too!” 

Lastly, I asked how many girls are joining this year and she mentioned, “We are expected to have Willa Walsh, Erin Welch, Elizabeth Meile, Mia Lacrosse, and hopefully Jayden Clayton, I’m trying to convince her to join. And of course me and Charlize Schlam!” This year the team looks like it is going to be in good shape with new girls eager for the season to start. 

Although it is a typically male-dominated sport, Girls’ wrestling has been increasing all over the country, and even in our small town, it is making a jump in interest with teen girls. With the upcoming generation of girls, it is good to show them that they can do anything they set their minds to. For our school, I can’t help but wonder what this upcoming season has in store for these inspiring athletes. 

If you are interested in joining the wrestling team this year please feel free to reach out to Coach Brady, Head Coach of the Wrestling Team, [email protected]