News Page

Erin Tomeo

Your True Hero 10/3/2001

My sister, Erin, is about to embark on a turning point in her life- high school graduation. It is hard to believe that my youngest sibling will be graduating from high school. Throughout the years, I have admired my sister as she continues to follow her dreams. She has had to work hard and overcome many obstacles.

At the age of six, after years of watching two older brothers wrestle, she decided it was a sport she wanted to try. My parents supported her desire but wanted her to practice first before competing. When she felt ready, she entered a first year tournament. She wrestled three matches and pinned all three of her male opponents, taking home a first place trophy.

To be sure, it has not been easy for Erin participating in a male dominant sport. People have tried to discourage her. Some have criticized and mocked her. Others have made new rules or given her special guidelines. She had to cut her hair that reached her waistline to above her chin in order for her to advance to the P.I.A.A. Jr. Olympic State Championships. With the decision of competing or cutting her hair, she tearfully cut her hair.

She made it to the J.O. state championships eight times. She was the first female to advance to the finals. She continued her wrestling career throughout jr. high school and high school. She was the only female on the boys varsity team. She was the first female to advance to the District 10 Championships. She suffered through injuries but never gave up. She has been admired by her teammates because of her work ethic and dedication. She became a role model to many of the younger wrestlers who recognized her desire.

Additionally, she competes against women in a freestyle division. She has traveled all over the world to such places as England, Poland, Austria, France, Canada, and many U.S. states. She is a seven time national champion and placed third in the World Championships in 1999 and 1998.

Women's wrestling is beginning to grow in the United States but still does not get the recognition it deserves. Now, there are only a few colleges that offer women's wrestling programs. For now, Erin has decided to attend Lock Haven University where she plans to pursue a degree in elementry education. There are two other girls from her sponsored wrestling club that attend Lock Haven and work out with the men's team. At Lock Haven, she hopes to get the training she needs to reach her goals.

Women's wrestling will be an event an the 2004 Olympics held in Athens, Greece. Indeed, Erin has set goals all her life. Her goal of representing the United States in the Olympics is one she has been working so hard to achieve.

My younger sister, Erin, is my true hero. The sacrifices she has made are admirable. She has had to miss out on social activities as well as participating in other sports to concentrate on wrestling. She is a women of strength and beauty and I am so proud she is my sister!

Submitted by:
Amanda Tomeo

----------------------------------

Malinda Ripley

Very important Patients:

Meet Malinda. She is a junior on the varsity boys wrestling team at Deer Valley High School. Look at her accomplishments!! She is state champion in women's wrestling, she has one national title, she is the first girl to place in the San Jose Invitational, and she plans to wrestle in the 2004 Olympics. When she is not practicing her wrestling skills she works as a lifeguard at Prewett Water Park.

Malinda is one year into completing her beautiful smile!