The THS Girl’s Varsity Wrestling Team had a large turnout this 2021 winter season, with the largest team to date. This year, the number of wrestlers increased from six girls last year, to 17.

The team was also successful. They earned fifth place at the Liberty Tournament and fourth at the GAC Tournament. Team members said they hope they will continue to do well at the MSHSAA State Tournament.

“Thanks to a bigger team this year, the lady wolves have accomplished a lot,” wrestling coach Christopher Purcell said. 

According to senior Kayla McGennis, the team dynamic this year is a lot different than past years because of the sudden growth of the team. She said it was initially weird seeing so many newcomers, but that it became the norm, as the team is fun and hardworking. 

“With 3 state qualifiers, the lady wolves wrestling program ties Tipton for the 3rd most state qualifiers in MSHSAA Sectional 2. (33 teams represented),” says the wrestling programs twitter, @thsgwrestling. 

Over the years, girl’s wrestling has grown all over the country, not just at Timberland. “Since 1994, the number of women who wrestle in high school has grown from 804 to 21,124 (as of 2019),” according to NWCAonline.com.  

The team practices everyday after school from 2:45  to 4:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 8:00 to  10:00 a.m. (and sometimes again from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) as well as occasionally in the morning once a week before school in the wrestling room.