Ready To Rumble
Wolf Point Girls Gaining Experience Prior To Montana’s First All-Girl State Meet
Although this is the first school year that girls’ wrestling has been established in Montana, Wolf Point High School sophomore Samantha Reed and freshman Joli Beston feel more than home in the school’s wrestling program.
Girls could compete against the boys prior to this year, but the first girls’ state wrestling meet is scheduled for this February.
“Their aggression is coming,” Wolf Point Coach Scott Vandall said of the girls. “Once they believe in themselves, they can accomplish things.”
Each of the girls decided to try the sport three years ago.
“All of my brothers wrestled,” Reed explained. “I’ve been around it since I was little. There was a calling to the mats.”
Her brothers are younger, but seventh-grader Kasey is definitely a challenge for her. “I have weight on him, but his technique is pretty amazing.”
Beston started wrestling in the seventh grade after receiving encouraging from a good female friend along with her father.
During the regular season, Reed and Beston often squared off against boys on the mats. They said they aren’t afraid of going head to head with boys at meets.
“Because of my brothers doing it, I just look at boys as opponents,” Reed said. “It’s important to not get into a situation where muscle comes into play as much.”
Beston said of male opponents, “I look at them as wrestlers.”
Reed, who competes at 126 pounds, and Beston, who wrestles at 132 pounds, agree it depends on the day of which wrestler enjoys more success.
“Her anxiety gets in her way,” Beston said of Reed.
“But Joli taught me how to be more aggressive,” Reed added.
They say a highlight of the year was to be part of the season when girls’ wrestling reached new heights in Montana. Another positive was building positive relationships at meets. “Wrestling is a family sport,” Reed said. “When worst comes to worst, your team is there no matter what.”
The two are thankful that they have each other to improve with throughout the season.
“The girls need to stick together,” Reed said. “If one is gone, the other will be frazzled.”
Coach Vandall noted, “They are good kids. Their grades are up, they always give 100 percent. That’s all I ask.”
Against other girl wrestlers, Beston has a record of 2-1 and Reed has a 3-2 mark this season. They are looking forward to the girls’ state meet is scheduled for Feb. 19-20 at Lockwood High School in Billings.
“I just want to place,” Reed said.
Beston is hoping to finish in the top three at the state level.
“My goals are easy, just make it to the second day,” Vandall said.
