HARRISBURG — Central Dauphin High School recently hosted what many believe will be the last non-sanctioned state wrestling championship for girls in Pennsylvania.
Just a few weeks ago, an important milestone was passed when Pennridge became the 100th high school in the Commonwealth to sponsor a team.
That’s important because the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) is on record in saying that once 100 schools offered girls wrestling, officials would begin the process of elevating it from emerging sport to fully sanctioned.
Now that the threshold has been crossed, it appears as though the rest will be merely a formality. With that in mind, several local grapplers made the trip to Harrisburg for the 2022-23 MyHouse State Tournament.
Local standouts
Western Wayne’s Sara Shook led the way with a stellar performance. The talented junior powered her way to a 4-1 record and a bronze medal in the 136-pound bracket.
Shook was joined on the podium by Wildcat teammate Lexi DeSiato, who finished eighth overall at 106.
“I can’t say enough about those two,” said Coach Josh Harrison. “Sara and Lexi both wrestled their hearts out. They’re definitely two girls that you want when you’re just starting a program. They are true pioneers of the sport.”
Honesdale also fared well. Three Hornets took part in the tournament, including a fourth place medalist Jaidyn Mikulak.
“Jaidyn had a dominating season,” said Coach Chris Carroll. “Her performance at states epitomized what she contributed to our team all year long.”
More local wrestling:Wayne County girls wrestling teams dazzle at this year's Northeast Regional Tournament
On the dais
Shook made a crucial decision this year that had a huge impact on her wrestling career.
After being the only female on the entire varsity roster at Wallenpaupack Area, she moved on over to Western Wayne … and that proved to be the right call.
With a full team supporting her, Shook ratcheted her game up to an entirely new level. She went undefeated at districts while competing at 136 pounds.
Shook duplicated that flawless performance at Northeast Regionals, going 4-0 en route to another gold medal. That title punched her ticket to the state meet, which was held at Central Dauphin.
This time around, Shook had to settle for a third place overall finish. However, she turned countless heads by piling up four more pins against elite wrestlers from all across the Commonwealth.
“Honestly, it was amazing to see so many girls there,” she said. “I was dealing with a shoulder injury, but I still think I did all right.”
Shook began her medal quest with an opening round clamp of Norwin’s Josephine Dollman (2:57). She followed that up with a pin of Cumberland Valley’s Mari Bruscino (3:38).
These two victories earned Shook a spot in the 136-pound semifinals. Unfortunately for local fans, she then suffered her lone loss of the entire post season and fell into the consolation bracket.
Undeterred, Shook came roaring right back with a pair of electrifying first period pins. She clamped Janaya Nobles of Connellsville in a time of 1:14, then needed just :16 to defeat Allison Colleen of Carlisle.
“I’m pretty happy with how my season went considering injuries and switching schools,” Shook said. “But, I’m definitely excited for the future.”
Shook was joined on the podium at Central Dauphin by DeSiato, who was making her third straight trip to states.
Another member of a talented junior class, DeSiato battled her way through five grueling bouts to an eventual eighth place finish. Included among those were a pair of falls over Riley Haubert of Palisades (:50) and Hamburg’s Isabelle Wilkes (4:35).
“I’m pleased with how I wrestled,” DeSiato said. “I had a tough first match and I was down 7-0. But, I came back with a pin at the end.”
With her two big victories at states, DeSiato closed out a stellar junior campaign with a total of 28 wins. Her eighth place medal marks a second appearance on the dais after a fourth place showing as a frosh.
“I’m very happy to have medaled,” DeSiato said. “I just wish I could’ve placed higher. I’m definitely excited to see what the next season brings for me and the team.”
Of interest:Western Wayne's Lexi DeSiato continues to dominate on the varsity wrestling mat
Red & Black attack
Honesdale enjoyed a solid season on the burgeoning girls wrestling scene this winter … and Mikulak led the charge.
The hard-nosed sophom*ore powered her way to a team-best 19-3 overall record with an eye-popping 18 pins. She continued that dominant streak with four wins at the state tournament, three via fall.
Mikulak dropped her opening round match at Central Dauphin, but wasted no time in re-grouping. She reeled off three straight pins and advanced all the way to the consolation finals before winding up with a fourth place medal.
“Jaidyn delivered bonus points for her team almost every time she had an opportunity,” Coach Carroll said. “Jaidyn has been working very hard to get down to the next weight class and our hope is that she moves up on the podium at states the next two years.”
In addition to Mikulak, two other Hornets also qualified for this year’s state tourney.
Jillian Penn is a junior who posted a 2-2 record at 170. She notched a second period fall over Jamile Ramirez of Easton and an electrifying 2-0 sudden death decision against Alexis Otstott of Newport.
Saige Olver is a freshman with a bright future who also fought her way to a respectable 2-2 mark, just missing a spot on the podium.
