Growth continues to define Republic girls wrestling under coach Eric Nolan, with roster numbers reaching 14-15 wrestlers this season, up from 9-10 last year. The program eyes its first state qualifier after posting a winning dual record last season.
“Our numbers are up once again. That’s the trend each year that I’ve been here,” Nolan said. “Last year we made a big jump. We had a winning record in duals, six wins, four losses.”
Millie Waterman returns after advancing furthest in last year’s district tournament, reaching the blood round. She’s projected to compete at 115 or 120 pounds this season.
“She’s motivated,” Nolan said. “She’s come in and done a good job of leading by example and through work ethic and having a great attitude, so I’m expecting her to have another good season for us.”
Anna McBroom will wrestle at 120 or 125 pounds. Her commitment to the sport has grown since she began wrestling in eighth grade.
“She’s really just developed a love for the sport and spent a lot of time with us in the offseason but also seeking out other training options,” Nolan said. “We’re expecting her to have a good season and show improvement.”
Gabby Shanks moves into the 135-140 weight class after an impressive freshman campaign that showed flashes of her potential.
“I had her in class last year as a freshman. I noticed she was a good student and seemed like a decent athlete, so I recruited her into wrestling, and she’s just really enjoyed it,” Nolan said. “She got takedowns against state medalists to give you an idea of her potential. She was just so new to the sport that needed some more time to figure it out, and she was one of the kids that’s been fully committed to offseason.”
Aara Shade has emerged as an offseason leader after initially being hesitant to join the team.
“She’s a fun story because she came out and was real timid and almost reluctant to do some of the stuff that we do, some of the warm-ups, the tumbling that we do,” Nolan said. “To think about where she started versus where she’s at now, it’s been amazing. She’s gotten in really good shape. Her attitude’s phenomenal.”
Emily Carter returns after medaling in multiple tournaments last season, looking to bounce back from health issues that affected her postseason.
“She battled some health issues last year that I think hurt her down the stretch, but she’s healthy now and motivated,” Nolan said. “I think she’s one to watch out for. I think that she’s a girl that could really surprise some people this season.”
The program’s growth mirrors trends in girls wrestling nationally. “It’s actually the fastest-growing sport in the country at both the high school and college levels, and a lot of colleges have added it,” Nolan said.
That growth extends to the middle school level in Republic, where Nolan has increased his involvement this year. “The girls’ numbers are decent there as well, so I just anticipate that continued growth,” he said.
The team identity has evolved beyond simply being “girls who wrestle.”
“It’s been great for the sport of wrestling,” Nolan said of the addition of a girls division. “I find it interesting to view that team aspect and how they bond, and that camaraderie that the girls build with one another. We’re seeing that with our girls now, and it’s fun to be a part of.”
The girls wrestling team will opens its season today at the Fort Zumwalt North Invitational.
