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Davis Journal

Girls wrestling continues to rise in popularity

May 06, 2021 10:35AM ● By Mark Jones

Coaches Gentry Gasser, at left, and Melvin Robinson, at right, with members of Farmington High School’s first-ever girls wrestling team, which placed four wrestlers in the top four at the state championships this year. Courtesy photo

FARMINGTON—Wrestling has always been a popular sport in Utah. And not just with boys, girls wrestling is rapidly picking up steam among high school athletes.

Girls wrestling just completed its first sanctioned season under the Utah High School Activities Association in February. And with 600 athletes competing around the state in the inaugural season, it would be safe to say the sport is on the rise.

Locally, the Farmington Phoenix fielded a team with seven athletes.

“It was a season of tournaments,” Farmington coach Melvin Robinson said. “We would try to set up a meet with another school, and they would have seven girls in different weights.”

The Phoenix had wrestlers compete at the 108, 132, 136, 140, 145, 150 and 190 pound weight classes. All of the Farmington wrestlers are sophomores and juniors, so the 2020-21 season was about laying the foundation for the future.

Despite being short on numbers, Farmington had a successful season, winning the Region 5 title over Bonneville. The Phoenix also had four individuals place at the state meet in February.

Amanda Neff was fourth at 132, while Rachel Hacking was also fourth at 145. Jessica Hacking came in second at 150, and Nieve Parry was fourth at 190. And despite the success, Robinson would have liked to have had a few more girls participate.

“There was a lot of hesitation,” he said. “I was able to talk to 15 to 20 girls, and most of them just weren’t ready. They looked at you like I don’t wrestle, that’s a boy’s sport.”

And with one season in the books, Robinson is expecting an even better turnout next season.

“The idea will spread,” he said. “They (the athletes) will talk to their friends. I’m hoping to have 15 girls, I’d love to see that.”

Wrestling is the 18th sanctioned girls sport in UHSAA history. Girls have wrestled for much of the sports history in Utah, which goes all the way back to 1938. Uintah’s Candace Workman is thought to be the first female state placer in Utah history, finishing second in 2008. And Robinson acknowledges the sport is only going to continue to grow from here.

“I think it’s ready to go,” he said. “I was surprised by the attitude of the parents. The concept of their daughter handling a situation on the mat is something they like.”

Robinson, who has served as an assistant coach previously, was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of a head coach.

“I’ve never done the paperwork or any of the behind-the-scenes stuff,” he said. “I’ve got a really busy schedule, so I wasn’t prepared for it.”

As the sport continues to rise in popularity, Robinson makes one prediction.

“It will continue to grow rapidly,” he said. “In three or four years, we will have teams all over the state.”