Grace Jones and Carisa Brazelton started off the Arlington girls wrestling program with a pair of first-place medals Friday.
The Eagles won their weight classes during the Columbus Lakeview Invite, leading their girls team to a fourth-place finish while the boys were 12th.
Kelise Krivohlavek wrestled the first match in AHS girls history, while Jones won the first against teammate Carly Segebart. Overall, it was an exciting day of firsts for coaches Doug Hart and Madison Wakefield.
“It was great getting to see everyone go out and compete,” Hart said. “The girls fought hard and it was great seeing them find some success. Hopefully, we can continue to build on today moving forward.”
Wakefield, like her wrestlers, is only just beginning in the Eagles wrestling program this winter.
“I couldn't be more proud of them,” she said. “They fought hard and earned their medals today.”
Effort was evident during Friday's tourney.
“Every single girl was willing to step out onto the mat and give it their all,” Wakefield said. “It was fun to see all the hard work they have been putting into practice come together on the mat.”
Jones went 3-1 with three pins at 155 pounds. Her fastest fall came in just 56 seconds.
Brazelton, meanwhile, beat her only opponent at 190 pounds in overtime by sudden victory.
Arlington's Krivohlavek, Segebart and Jaydin Allen also earned their first career wins as the Eagles scored 41 team points to the champion Aurora Huskies' 97.
The Arlington boys, meanwhile, picked up 29 team points during Lakeview's season-opening event. Trey Hill, a 120-pounder, was his team's most successful wrestler, taking fourth with a 3-2 tournament record. He secured three pins before Jack Glendy of the hometown Vikings pinned him during the third-place match.
Another AHS 120-pounder, Aiden McDuffee, finished sixth Friday. He was 1-3 in contested matches, topping Carter Sucha of Columbus Scotus by second-period pin.
In addition to coach Hart's medalists, Jake Flesner, Ben Flesner, Kolton Gilmore and Tate Johannes picked up their first wins of the season at Lakeview. Gilmore went 2-2 at 170 pounds, claiming a pair of pins.
Arlington is next in competition today for a boys triangular at Weeping Water. Matches start at 6 p.m.
