Emily Scherzinger, a sophomore at Cyprus high school took 6th place at the state championship for girls wrestling at UVU a college in Provo Utah The wrestling championship took place on Feb. 14-15. 

She stated that her coach was actually the one who encouraged her to join in the first place. “He asked me to come to pre-season to see if I like it” 

During pre-season she didn’t think the sport would be for her. But since she dedicated her time and energy into preparing for state she thought she might have a chance. She did think there was still no point but it did give her the opportunity of trying something new.

Although she placed, she felt like she wanted to quit. She said “It was super hard I wanted to quit” and that she “didn’t see a point in wrestling” But her whole mindset changed when she realized she placed at state. She thought to herself that she should stick with wrestling. 

Caroline Pastrana, a sophomore at Cyprus high school also placed in the state championship, taking 2nd place.

She’s been encouraged by her uncle, brother, and sister Cassandra Pastrana who also wrestles. She said “I felt good because all the hard work and staying after practice made me happy.”

She also went to state last year and placed 4th. She loves the coaches and felt that they were really encouraging and pushed her to keep going. 

She felt good about taking second but said “I really wanted  1st place but it's okay because I still have a few years left of high school.” She's really dedicated to wrestling and wants to make something of herself in the future.

Like Emily, The two share a connection with wrestling. They both feel an emotional connection to the sport and dedicate their time to make it to the top.