By LOGAN FULLER and ETHAN RUBIN
Under the guidance of coach Jim Shotter, the Jericho girls wrestling team kickstarted their first official season and participated in tournaments here on Long Island. Girls wrestling is not completely new to Jericho, since girls have been a part of the boys team since the early 2000s, but now they have their own division and all-girl tournaments to participate in.
Girls wrestling styles may be different than boys, but the goal is the same: to win. Coach Shotter said, “Their matches follow freestyle wrestling rules, while boys follow folkstyle rules. Freestyle wrestling is focused on the take-down feature, whereas folkstyle wrestling is more about grappling in position.”
Juniors Jimin Hur and Mo Chen finished second in the Nassau County Championships and competed in the inaugural New York State All-female state championship in late February in Albany. Coach Shotter explained how the girls eased into the competition and did the best they could. He said, “The venue was massive, and we had to figure out all the logistics. The girls were anxious to start but gave it their best overall.”
Jimin Hur feels that it was notable to be able to meet other female wrestlers and be able to experience the first of many girls conferences. She said, “It was honestly an honor being a part of the first girls state championships. I met a lot of incredible girls from Long Island, and it was honestly a great experience.”
After getting a taste of what it looks like to be a champion, Jimin has her sights set on the future. “Unfortunately, this year I wasn’t able to place, so my goal for next year is to become All-State and place in the top 6,” she added.
Junior Lucy Zhou competes in the first ever Nassau girls wrestling championship held at Bethpage High School.
Mo Chen agrees with Jimin, believing that though it was not her best performance, she is grateful for the opportunity. She said, “The state championship is pretty overwhelming. Girl wrestlers from all over the state were gathering in the MVP arena, making me both nervous and excited. I don’t think I performed at my best in the competition, but nonetheless, the experience of competing against other outstanding wrestlers is invaluable.”
Chen attributes the success of girls wrestling to all those involved in the sport. “The successful organization of the first-ever girls wrestling championship is thanks to the contributions of every coach and wrestler involved in this sport,” said Chen.
As for the future, Chen is optimistic. “This tournament is both an achievement and a starting point, and I hope that girls wrestling continues to grow and thrive. Next season will be my last one in high school, and I just hope that the hard work I’ve put in over the past three seasons will show in the competition. As long as I give my all, no matter the result, I won’t have any regrets,” she said.
Shotter hopes this experience will motivate the girls. “I hope this experience will inspire them to set their sights higher for next year.”
As girls wrestling continues to rise in prominence across Long Island, Jericho is committed to fostering growth here at home. With Coach Shotter’s vision, dedication and passion, along with the hard work of athletes like Jimin Hur, Mo Chen and Olivia Georgiady, the stage is set for even greater success in years ahead. Jericho’s girls wrestling team is breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of athletes to reach new heights, both on and off the mat.
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