Jezierski has national title on her mind

By Tom Moor 3/5/02

Bethany Jezierski admits that it took some time to get accepted into the sport she now loves.
When Jezierski was a freshman, she tried out for Port Huron Northern's wrestling team -- a decision that didn't go over well with everyone on that team.

"At first it's kind of hard," said Jezierski, 16, a junior at Port Huron High. "Not everyone accepts it and that's something that you have to accept. But after awhile they kind of warm up to you."

Just as she has warmed up to the competition and learned to beat most of it in the process.

On Feb. 24 -- a week after winning a Midwest Championship Tournament in Port Huron -- Jezierski won a Michigan state wrestling title at the 140-pound weight class at Lake Orion.

She went 3-0 that day, all three wins coming by pin. The meet was sponsored by the United States Girls Wrestling Association.

She will try and top that when she competes in the girls wrestling national at Lake Orion March 23.

If she wrestles like she thinks she's capable of, she may be a national champion before the end of the month.

She certainly seems to have the talent for it.

"It's going to be tough," she said. "They have girls from Hawaii that fly in that are tough as nails."

Jezierski will likely give them some tough competition, though.

She started her wrestling career her freshman year at Port Huron, then transferred to Northern where she wrestled for about two years and is now back at Port Huron.

Her brother Jared, a 2000 Port Huron graduate and former Big Reds' wrestler, got Jezierski interested in the sport three years ago.

"I kind of had a feel for it because my brother was in it and I thought it was cool," she said. "I learned almost everything from him."

Although she does get the chance to wrestle other girls at the high school level from time to time, she said 90% of her competition comes from guys.

"I beat some of them, too," she said.

That's due to her work ethic and competitive fire.

After suffering a concussion in November that ended her prep season, Jezierski is back to running and lifting weights four days a week.

"She's a very aggressive wrestler," Northern Coach Mike Hamann said. "She's very knowledgeable and learns fast. She has wrestled guys with a lot of strength and held her own with them."

And although some of her friends have declined her offer to join her on the team, she said a lot of her friends think it's pretty cool that she's wrestling.

She would like to see herself wrestling in the future and hopes to even make the U.S. team one day.

While Jezierski was at the state tournament last week, one of the guys who runs the meet told her that women's college wrestling could be around as early as 2004.

Jezierski hopes to see herself competing on one of those teams and hopes to win later this month.

"I'm hoping I will come through," she said. "In the girls tournament you're usually good or you're not."

So far, she has been pretty good.

Tom Moor is a Times Herald sports writer. He can be reached at 989-6288

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

Girls wrestling fields 18 on Big Island

WHT Staff Reports 2/21/02

In what has long been a male dominated sport in high school athletics, Big Island Interscholastic Federation girls wrestling has gained more respect over the past few years.

Although many states allow girls to compete in high school wrestling, Hawaii is one of only two states (Texas is the other) that recognize girls wrestling and has been holding state championships for the sport since 1998.

With 18 participants competing from six high schools on the Big Island, this year should be the most productive for girls wrestling to date. Here's a look at the schools rosters and their prognosis for the current season.

* Hilo - With the largest contingent of wrestlers this year, the Vikings will again set the pace for girls wrestling and prove once more how they contributed to the team's BIIF championship for the past two years: Mitra Hefron 98 pounds, Aubrey Kalawe 98, Lisa Sakoda 108, Lyndsey Borges 121, Jena Kahili 155, Ashley Truchan 155 and Keisha Siliga 155.

* Waiakea - The Warriors boast four first - year wrestlers: Dawn Haraguchi 98, Kari Iwaoka 98, Krislyn Mostoles 121 and Shana Simon 130.

* Kohala - With two of the three girls on their wrestling team returning as sophomores this year, Kohala has the experience and talent to make the state finals: Shimery Carvalho 103, Sherry Fujii 103 and Sharon Ketchum 108.

* Konawaena - This school's first time venture into girls wrestling brings experience to the mat with a talented junior transfer from Kealakehe and a freshman with desire to excel in the sport: Jasmine Norman 130 and Leilani Hale 140.

* Kealakehe - With only one girl wrestler on this years squad, Kealakehe hopes to build its program: Emily Anderson 121.

* Pahoa - The Daggers are another team introducing girls wrestling for the first time: Lee Leota 220.

The BIIF girls hope to make a strong showing at the March 1 - 2 state championships. They will be going up against Moanalua and Campbell from Oahu, schools that have dominated girls wrestling for the past several years.

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

Girls looking for respect

By Gordon Heit/ For the Tribune-Herald2/31/02

In what has long been a male dominated sport in high school athletics, girls' wrestling has gained a lot of respect over the past few years.

Although many states allow girls to compete in high school wrestling, Hawaii is one of only two states (Texas is the other) that recognize girls wrestling and has been holding state championships for the sport since 1998.

With 18 participants competing from six high schools on the Big Island, this year looks to be the most productive for girls wrestling to date.

Here's a look at the high school rosters and their prognosis for the current season:

- Hilo: With the largest contingent of wrestlers this year, the Vikings will again set the pace for girls wrestling and prove once more how they contributed to the team's BIIF championship for the past two years.

The wrestlers include: Mitra Hefron and Aubrey Kalawe, 98 pounds.; Lisa Sakoda, 108; Lyndsy Borges, 121; Jena Kahili, Ashley Truchan and Keisha Siliga, 155.

- Waiakea: Has four first - year wrestlers and is proving to be a tough challenge for the other schools.

What the Warriors lack in experience is more than made up in desire and dedicated coaching.

The wrestlers include: Dawn Haraguchi and Kari Iwaoka, 98 pounds; Krislyn Mostoles, 121; and Shana Simon, 130.

- Kohala: With two of the three girls on their wrestling team returning as sophomores this year, Kohala has the experience and talent to make to the state finals.

The wrestlers include: Shimery Carvalho and Sherry Fujii, 103 pounds; and Sharon Ketchum, 108.

- Konawaena: This school's first - time venture into girls wrestling brings experience to the mat with a talented junior transfer from Kealakehe and a freshman with desire to excel in the sport.

The wrestlers include: Jasmine Norman, 130 pounds; and Leilani Hale, 140.

- Kealakehe: With only one girl wrestler on this year's squad, Kealakehe is looking to build its program, and make West Hawaii a factor in the sport.

The wrestler is Emily Anderson, in the 121 - pound class.

- Pahoa: Another school that is introducing girls wrestling for the first time, the Daggers look to build into a formidable competitor in the coming years.

The Dagger wrestler is Lee Leota, who battles in the 220 - pound class.

With this line - up, the girls look to make a strong showing at the state championships in March. They will be going up against Moanalua and Campbell high schools from Oahu, schools that have dominated girls wrestling the past several years.

As a sport that is already accepted at the collegiate level, it is only a matter of time before we will be watching women's wrestling as an Olympic sport.

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

girls wrestling (6 replies)


Posted by: Jackie
11/26/2001

I just wanted to say they need to have gurl wrestling at school not to sound like im a lesbo cause im not im love men 100% but anyways they need gurl wrestling at school i think that would be fun! what do yall think?

*****************************************
Posted by: Kattie
04/09/2002

hey, I use to wrestle when I was lil until I started to mature. I really miss it but I know if i were to wrestle now guys wood try to put moves on while wrestling trust me I've had it done before. I'm glad I wrestled but I'm also glad I stopped cuz I was a wrestler now I'm a cheerleader. BUt wrestling is a GREAT way to get into shape!



Posted by: kalie
02/27/2002

Well there are 5 girls on our westling team (I'm one of them). I love it and if it was just an all girls team then it wouldn't be as fun!



Posted by: snowboardgurl285
02/24/2002

uh dude can't u wrestle on the guys team thats what i did at my skoo.And a all gurls team would be another name for the total wimpy team. im out



Posted by: fastbabegirl
12/22/2001

at my school they let girls wrestle with the boys!



Posted by: Me
12/01/2001

I don't really think you should wait for a girls team to start. Because its seems obvious that won't happen. I was on a boys wrestling team and though at first it was weird, everyone got used to it. Plus it works to your benefit sometimes, guys are scared to wrestle a girl and lose so they usually forfeit!



Posted by: GirlGuest
11/29/2001

I totally 100% aggree that there should be a girls wrestling team. I grew up watching my brother and his friends wrestle in high school. It's awesome. The minute there is a girl's wrestling team, I will be the first one on the mat!

****************************************

-----Original Message-----
From: AP Student
To: shannon_carter@tamu-commerce.edu
Sent: 9/27/01 10:22 AM
Subject: ap. English writting

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

My name is Leanna Weber and I am a senior in Mrs. Sansings AP English
IV. I would like to take this time to tell you a little about myself,
first of all I am a very active person in my sport and clubs with my
school.
I am the captain of the Color Guard, and for this I am working towards a
scholarship. For the past two years we have gone to Nationals and each
time brought back three trophies. We also have been named an Award
Winning Guard by other squads and by the students in our school, but not
by the administration. To prove our guts and sweat we put into our
work, at summer camp all but two of our guard members were honored by
being in the top 20% and chosen to perform at the Citrus Bowl in
Florida on New Years Day.
I am also the captain of the girls wrestling team. I have been fighting
with the school system to have a girls wrestling team for six years and
finally got it. On our first year for the girls team we had two girls
go to state, one by default and I was the other. My records for the
season was 14-5, which for a new person is not bad at all. I plan on
going to state again this year and I am also trying to get a scholarship
for wrestling.
I am also the president for the FCA and this year has changed
everything, we are now a lot more active. We also have a club called
YOUTH ALIVE and I am the president of events. These clubs have worked
so hard to spread the love of Christ with all we come in contact with.
We meet before every home game with the opposing team to pray over the
safety of the football team, drill team, cheerleaders, color guard, and
all other student and faculty that are involved.
I also play soccer outside of school. We have been honored by playing
the pregame for the Dallas Sidekicks, to us this is a big honor. I have
some problems playing all the sports I am in due to the fact I have had
several knee surgeries. For most people would have stopped I pushed
farther. As a senior I decided to power lift, I have always wanted to
but I was always too busy with wrestling that I did not think I would
have time to split practices. I would never give up if I really wanted
to play. Although I did not want to I had to quit several sports, some
of which were football, track, and dance.
After high school I plan on going to college on a sports scholarship to
major in governmental law. I have always had a fascination in the FBI
and the CIA or even just a cop. I love having the power to enforce the
rules or laws. I have also always been interested in joining the
army and becoming a drill sergeant. I also love messing with peoples
minds.
I would like to thank you for taking the time to work with us. This is
going to help me a lot because I need the practice on my writing skills,
Thank You! I have my own e-mail address and if you would rather e-mail
me there that is fine with me, it is Ladylifter2002@aol.com. Have a
nice day!!

Thankfully,
Leanna Weber

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

Wrestling squad boasts unfamiliar face — a woman

by Andy Meyer 12/5/01

At first glance, nothing on the University’s wrestling roster appears out of the ordinary. Composed of roughly 20 individuals vying for 10 weight classes, the squad is young and competitive. A more careful look at the team, however, reveals a unique trait — a female grappler on a predominately male squad.

For Kelly Hewitt, a freshman from Oak Park High School in Kansas City, Mo., taking up the sport was another step in her exploration of more individualized contact sports. After being involved in the fine arts and teaching dance lessons for five years, she decided to take up boxing. Hewitt said she enjoyed the more personal nature of the sport.

“I really liked the man-to-man aspect where everything rides on you,” Hewitt said. “If I screw up, I can only blame myself. That really appealed to me.”

Hewitt decided to approach her high school wrestling coach about practicing with the squad. The pair reached an agreement where Hewitt would practice with the squad in the training room, but would be unable to take part in any team competitions.

She stayed with the squad, watching and learning the habits and routines of some of the best wrestlers in the state.

“Seeing the dedication some of the guys had really made an impact on me,” Hewitt said. “They taught me the ropes and really influenced my decision to continue with wrestling.”

To her surprise, Hewitt said her parents were very receptive to her wrestling and supported her the entire way. One factor may have been that her sister took up rugby shortly before Hewitt made her decision.

“They were super-cool about it,” Hewitt said. “But I still wrestled two to three weeks before I told them about it.”

Although she was unable to compete with the Northmen during the regular season, she saw her first true opposition less than a month after the season’s conclusion. She participated in the first United States Girls Wrestling Association’s Missouri State Championships, held in Richmond, Mo. In the round-robin-style tournament, Hewitt came away from the event as the 162-pound state champion.

When she turned her attention toward deciding her collegiate plans, she made a great effort to promote her wrestling abilities. After discouraging responses from schools as far away as New York, Hewitt e-mailed head coach Dave Schutter regarding her situation. The two finally struck a bargain — Hewitt would receive a partial scholarship and a place on the team.

“She contacted me initially, and we just went through the standard recruiting process,” Schutter said. “She’s just like any other student athlete, and she practices just as hard. She holds her own.”

But Hewitt’s decision was not entirely based on the ability to connect with a wrestling program. She wanted a school with a strong academic background as well, and she said she was impressed with Schutter’s emphasis on grades and schoolwork.

“Wrestling is a great sport,” Hewitt said. “But when I’m 40 with arthritis, I want to have the training for a qualified job.”

When team practices began it took a little time for everyone to get comfortable with each other, sophomore Grant Strickland said.

“At first it was a little strange,” Strickland said. “But that passed pretty soon, and nobody really gives her special treatment.”

More than anything, Hewitt said she is grateful of how receptive the team has been to her since her arrival. She said the squad gives her a lot of support.

“I really like it here, and I couldn’t ask for a better team,” Hewitt said. “Not only are they a good group of guys with a lot of talent, but they are very cool to me, and I really appreciate that. They treat me like they treat each other. They help me out a lot, and the fact that they work with me really means a lot.”

Despite her many successes, Hewitt has had her share of obstacles. The most recent has been a nagging separated shoulder she suffered in July. She will continue to compete with the team with hopes for a full recovery by June 2002.

“I’m still learning how to deal with it,” Hewitt said. “It pisses me off, but I just have to get tougher and suck it up.”

Hewitt recently competed in her first collegiate tournament last weekend at the Wisconsin Open in Kenosha. Although she went 0-2, she said she enjoyed the competition and the experience.

“When coach told me I was wrestling, I couldn’t believe it,” Hewitt said. “I was pretty freaked out. But once I got out on the mat, I had no fears. It was a great experience, and everybody reacted a lot better than I thought they would.”

Schutter said he recognizes Hewitt’s hard work and expects her to do well. He said she is improving every day.

“No matter how talented she is, it’s still hard wrestling against guys,” Schutter said. “It just takes time to develop those skills, but she’s coming along in leaps and bounds.”

Her teammates also have detected her devotion to the squad and her ability to stick with the team.

“You’ve got to give her credit for sticking it out,” Strickland said. “She has the desire and puts up with a lot of crap.”

Schutter said women’s wrestling is exploding all over the country, and he has received four or five letters from females interested in the University’s program. With women’s wrestling becoming an official Olympic event in 2004, the future has never looked brighter for women in wrestling.

Hewitt said her main aspirations are to win women’s nationals and “beat a guy.” She said she is not out to make a social statement or ruin anybody’s time. Now she is looking forward to the rest of the season with the hope of qualifying for the Olympic Games someday.

“That would be freaking awesome,” Hewitt said. “You never know, but it all just depends on the next couple of years. Everybody has to shoot for something.”

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

JOSIE MULLINS

There are some things that girls should not do

Women's athletics have come a long way over the past 10 years. Girls
have every advantage that boys do in this day and age. From middle school,
to high school, to college and on to the professional scene, women have a
vast array of sports they can participate in.

It has gotten to the point that when a sport is not offered to girls
they can participate on the boys team. Take for instance last year, Duke
University's football program was in hot water because it cut a female
field-goal kicker from the team. Football was not and has not ever been
offered to girls, so some girl got the bright idea to try out for the
boys team and it seems to setting a trend, a very bad one at that.

Wrestling is not a sport offered to girls but a lot of girls are
showing a lot of interest. This year Havelock High School has a female wrestler
on the team and in years past so has West Carteret. Tucker Creek Middle School
in Havelock has several girls on its team this season.

On Jan. 17, Tucker Creek and Broad Creek went head to head and if Broad
Creek had won the match, the Bulldogs would have secured the regular
season championship. It was not to be for the Bulldogs. They had their chances
but just couldn't get the job done.

However, a most unfortunate thing occurred, an incident that is sure to
repeat itself when you let girls participate on boys teams.

The Broad Creek wrestler who was matched up with Tucker Creek's girl
eventually walked off the mat and was disqualified. According to The
News-Times staff photographer attending the match, the Bulldog wrestler
walked off saying that he could not wrestle a girl. Broad Creek took a
timeout to calm the wrestler, who reluctantly went back on the mat for
another go, but he just could not do it. The wrestler obviously had
some strong feelings about what he was doing and just felt it wasn't right,
so against everybody's wishes he stood up for his beliefs. What a task for
a middle school student. His brain must have been in sensory overload.

If I lose to a girl what will my friends think? What if I hurt her?
I've always been taught not to hurt, hit or abuse girls, but isn't that what
I'm sort of doing? Am I supposed to forget what I've been taught because
it's a sporting event? Are my teammates going to kill me if I walk off the mat
because it could cause us to lose the biggest match of the season? It
will all be my fault.

These are just a few things that come to mind that might have been
going through his mind as he was trying to decide what to do. We've all seen
caged animals desperately wanting out and always looking for its chance to
run. We've all had times when we feel caged in and need to run. It can be a
terrible feeling.

The funny thing was, the Broad Creek wrestler was winning the match so
he didn't walk off because he was losing to the girl.

Wrestling is a very physical sport. If girls want to participate in
wrestling, let's start a girls team. At the start of middle school,
young girls are beginning to grow into young women and wrestling is very
hands on. On the other side of the spectrum, boys are becoming young men and are
getting much stronger.

Girls should not be allowed on a boys wrestling because of these two
reasons and many others, one of which is how we teach our sons. Boys grow up
learning that they are to never hit, hurt or abuse women in any way, no
matter what the circumstances. We should not have to negate that lesson
because girls want to participate on a wrestling team.

Some area coaches agree that girls should not be on wrestling teams
because it's not good for the boys. When the female athlete participated at
West Carteret, some opponents elected to forfeit her matches.

Currently Havelock has an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) wrestling
program for girls. This is good because they have their own team.

If the girls on the Tucker Creek team stay with the sport and attend
Havelock High School, technically Havelock could have female wrestlers
on the team for the next four to six years. This is women's lib gone too
far. If this trend keeps up, boys will be trying out for middle school and
high school girls volleyball teams and more girls will be trying out for
middle school and high school football teams. The line needs to be drawn.

If girls want to wrestle, start girls wrestling teams. If there is not
enough interest in the school or throughout the conference, tough. The
problem during the Tucker Creek match was only the beginning. The one
good thing to come from all of this is the Broad Creek wrestler showed a lot
of courage and he stood firm about his beliefs. There are a lot of adults
who have trouble doing that because they are simply afraid to cut against
the grain. So they will continue doing whatever it is that they don't
believe in or agree with so they don't bring unwanted attention to themselves.

Got a sports concern, e-mail me at josie@thenewstimes.com

BACK