The wrestling season of 2018-2019 was a successful season. Many may not know that this year was also successful for Lydia Nelson, one of the two members on the KHS wrestling team. This year was the first year Kirksville’s girls’ wrestling has been in existence. The program may have only two members, but it has shown to be mighty.
Lydia Nelson, a sophomore at Kirksville High School, has just become the first female wrestler to make her way to state. She had a record of 13 wins and 3 losses. She won third at districts, qualifying her for state. Although Lydia did not make it far at state, winning her first match but then losing the next two, she has still made history here at KHS.
James Alter, the head coach of the wrestling program, has had to balance the boys’ and girls’ teams. When asked about Lydia’s work ethic, Alter said, “Lydia has worked hard. She had a goal and worked daily to meet that goal. Last year was her first year, and I think she has come a long way, but she has put in a lot time and definitely effort. It was impressive to see her compete at the district tournament. She had to wrestle back to take third!”
Although Lydia’s season has been one for the books, she is already looking forward to next year. She said, “My main goals for next year are to make it to state again and do better than I did this year.”
Of being one of two girls on the wrestling team, Lydia said, “When I started out out on the team it was a little weird, but after a while I just got used to it.”
For all the girls out there considering wrestling, Lydia said, “I think they should try it out. It’s a great sport and a good experience and we also need many more girls on the team.” Coach Alter himself said, “I hope to see the women's side of things grow and expand, and we can be a force in both the men's and women's divisions.”
In the end, Nelson may have made KHS history, but she is really just the epitome of where hard work can get you. Alter commented, “I think she is a good example of what hard work can do, and that if you dedicate yourself to something, you can achieve your goals. But, you have to [be] all in.”