Fenton wrestlers compete in first ever girls state championship
PHOTO Courtesy: Chloe Wagner
Posing for a photo (from left) assistant coach Dominic Adams, sophomore Ella Turnblom, senior Chloe Wagner, sophomore Kendra Ryan and coach Brad Beverly at the state championship.
February 6, 2019
After a lot of push for a girls state championship wrestling meet, senior Chloe Wagner, junior Ella Turnblom and sophomore Kendra Ryan participated in the first. On Feb. 2 and 3, Wagner and Ryan became state champs after taking first in their weight classes and Turnblom placed third in hers.
“It seems pretty unreal,” Wagner said. “The feeling is indescribable. After I won I jumped into my coaches arms, ran up to Kendra and Ella and hugged them, and then went up into the stands to my family crying tears of joy, and hugged every single one of them.”
Participating in the first championship, the girls had much support from their family, team and coach.
“I’ve been coaching for 18 years in a variety of sports,” varsity wrestling coach Brad Beverly said. “This is the most rewarding experience I have had thus far and there have been many. I’m so happy for the girls.”
Following the meet, the girls realized that they are making history in both women’s wrestling and Fenton wrestling. Wagner said that “becoming a state champion feels awesome. Especially with this being the first one ever, I can now say I was the first ever state champ at my weight and I made history.”
“Being one of the first girls state champions makes me feel very proud of mine and everyone’s effort this year,” Ryan said. “I knew I wanted to be very aggressive and go as hard as possible to win it all.”
After a season of hard work, all three girls received All-State status following their victories.
“It was such a great feeling knowing I had the opportunity to make history for women’s wrestling and for Fenton,” Turnblom said.
The girls now prepare for districts, competing with the boys, on Feb. 9.
