North Mahaska Sends Four Wrestlers to Girls State

Published by editor on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 9:46am

Photo courtesy of Erica Groom Jalayna Shipley, Libby Groom, Lauren Basiclio and Abigail Moore competed at the girl’s state wrestling meet Friday.

By:

Clint Dye

Correspondent

The North Mahaska wrestling team was well represented last Friday, January 22 at the IWCOA Girls State Championship tournament with four Warhawks competing in the two-day event.

Three sophomores and one freshman took to the mat during the tournament. The sophomores were Abigail Moore, Libby Groom and Jalayna Shipley while the lone freshman was Lauren Basicilio.

“This was a great experience for the girls. For three of them, it is their first-time wrestling so this helps build their confidence,” said North Mahaska head coach Ryan Groom. “All of them show up to practice, work hard, and continue to show enthusiasm even when they don't come out on top.”

After starting her day off losing in the first round, Jalayna Shipley bounced back in her second match, pinning Mya Vote of Humboldt in the second period.

Bouncing back from an early defeat was something Coach Groom was happy to see.

“Jalayna is competitive so after she lost that first match, she had some fight in her and nothing was going to stop her,” Groom said.

While Groom, Moore and Basicilio all lost both of their matches, each had the opportunity to compete at the state level, something that will benefit each of them going forward.

“This was a great experience for the girls. The girls stated they are excited to go to AAU Girls State on February 28th, 2021,” Groom said. “Girl's wrestling is the future- these four are making history for North Mahaska and we can't wait to finish the season, work hard in the off-season, and be ready for next year with some experience under the belt.”