Last week’s statewide wrestling tournament yielded phenomenal results for the Wheeling Park Wrestling program. Two performances were particularly notable: wrestlers Kymber Heldreth and Terriona Gibbons were the first female wrestlers in the school’s history to place in the state tournament.
Freshman Kymber and Sophomore Terriona have been wrestling since childhood occasionally taking a break to focus on other sports. Both competed in Small Fry locally. Terriona wrestled in 7th and 8th grade at Wheeling Middle School, and Kymber began wrestling again in 8th grade at Bridge Street Middle School. “I wanted to wrestle in high school, and after practices began Terriona made me want to continue wrestling. She even called my mom and helped talk her into it,” Kymber, also a WPHS Volleyball and Softball player states.
Kymber and Terriona are currently the only girls on the wrestling team, but they make it clear that the sport is growing and has long term health benefits. “My mindset is so strong because I wrestle,” Terriona states. “It’s made my body so ready for all other sports I play. I feel strong,” Kymber adds. And to other young girls who might be interested in pursuing a male dominated sport? “Girls wrestling is on the smaller side here, but it’s growing. It’s huge in other regions. If you wrestle, just show up. You being there helps grow the sport. It’s only you out there. If you put in the work, you earn the benefits,” Kymber states. Because the pool of female wrestlers is smaller, both Kymber and Terriona had six matches in one day during the state tournament. They finished their day respectively placing 3rd and 4th in the state.
A few fun facts? Kymber shouted out Mr. Doyle as her favorite teacher with Terriona confirming Mrs. Schrebe is the best. Terrionna is also a TWO TIME Wheeling Park High School rock, paper, scissors school champion!
Thanks for chatting with us! We can’t wait to see all you accomplish over the next few years!
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