The South Windsor High School wrestling team participated in the ‘Connecticut Queen of the Mat Tournament’ on Sunday, February 23rd.
The tournament was open to all female public school athletes who are part of the CIAC. Junior Sophia Gordon, freshman Emma Gordon and sophomore Nichole Calabro represented South Windsor High School against wrestlers from 50 other schools.
The tournament resulted in the South Windsor team coming in 25th overall.
The team had “overall good effort and they were working hard,” Coach Jude Knapp commented.
A specific highlight of the tournament was Junior Sophia Gordon earning an Outstanding Wrestler Award. Gordon told The Prowl, “I unfortunately have to wrestle people who wrestle dirty, and I chose to hold myself to a higher standard and let them throw punches while I score and win the match respectfully.”
Gordon added, “I’m glad I was recognized because I would hate to see a new female wrestler quit because of disrespectful opponents.”
Receiving this award is a big honor for her, and she earned it through her hard work and good sportsmanship.
“I was feeling nervous to wrestle,” sophomore Nichole Calabro commented. “I wanted to do well.”
Calabro competed in two matches, unfortunately losing both after suffering an injury in the first match. With this only being her first year wrestling, she hopes to continue to learn more and get better for next year.
“My personal goal is to do better and go with the moves I know and not second guess myself,” Calabro told The Prowl.
Freshman Emma Gordon won one of her matches, but unfortunately lost two others.
“I feel like I did well for my first year, and I’m happy with the results. I didn’t place, but I’m still proud of myself,” Emma Gordon said.
Gordon stays optimistic looking forward to states and her next few years on the high school team.
The Connecticut girls high school wrestling state championship begins on Friday, February 28 and extends onto March 1, and the lady Bobcats look to make far runs towards a potential championship.
