Girls have always been wrestling at Nanticoke but when the PIAA sanctioned their sport two years ago the school district was one of the first 100 that pushed the sport over the top.
Michelle Pastuizaca, Nanticoke Senior says, “ “My sophomore year. So I had to wrestle big guys and stuff like that. I was wrestling this big boy from Crestwood. My second year wrestling we added girls distinction and we were happy. With my teammate Sierra Ripka from there, we started recruiting girls to come down. ”
Josh Ryan, Nanticoke girls wrestling coach added,” Last year from very winning any team matches because low numbers this year were are undefeated right now in team duals.. And every tournament we placed within the top 12 in every tournament. ”
Sierra Ripka, Nanticoke Junior says, “ Wrestling with a bunch of the boys definitely pushed me. And then I did my first competition. And then after that, I never stopped. ”
Junior Sierra Ripka has risen to the 2nd ranked 170 pounder in the state and is 20 and 1 this season. The district champ finished 4th at states last March.
Ripka says, “Going the states and placing fourth was it was amazing. Wrestling always was winning matches, most of them being by pins. I, I just kept knowing that I wanted to keep going. And I was very excited about how I finished last year, by the way, I want to do better this year. ”
Ryan added, “ Aggressive. She’s not afraid to grab somebody and throw them around. But other than that her mindset is a good asset this year ”
Michelle Pastuizaca’s brother signed her up for wrestling her freshman year. Since she moved to just wrestling girls the senior won a district title and was 6th at regionals. And freshman Emily Kivler has stormed in and won 24 matches this season.
Pastuizaca says, “Like, my first year, I didn’t know what to do. We just got on the mat, shake the hand, and just like, you know, try to defend. I like my second year. I started doing a lot of, like, full breeze and some headlocks. This year. I am practicing trying my doubles and singles. ”
Ryan added, “ All right. She’s (Emily) good on her feet. She’s aggressive and she just loves the sport.
Next up for Nanticoke will be the second year of the district two championships and then onto states. There are high hopes for this Nanticoke team, especially with the experience.
Pastuizaca, says”My goals is to get a district champ again and go to regionals. So, get first or second, hopefully first make it to states this year. ”
Ripka added, “if I was with the boys, I would not be where I am right now. And I mean, that’s not my fault, no physical difference, but I am really happy that I have a spot to show about what I can do compared, then rather being compared to only boys. “
