Alaska honors trailblazing girls wrestlers at 10th anniversary of inaugural state championship victory.

Michael Kimber, the director of women’s wrestling for Alaska USA Wrestling, has been a longtime advocate for girls wrestling in Alaska. After years of persistence, he successfully proposed and established the first girls state wrestling tournament in the 2014-15 season. This past weekend marked the 10th anniversary of the tournament, celebrating a decade of growth and progress in girls wrestling in Alaska.

Kimber recognized Alaska School Activities Association Director Billy Strickland for his support in making the tournament a reality, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on the sport and the participants. The tournament has evolved significantly over the years, moving from girls mostly wrestling boys to now primarily competing against other girls.

Various organizations such as Alaska USA Wrestling, Wrestle Like A Girl, and Alaska Girls Wrestle have played crucial roles in fostering the growth of girls wrestling in the state. Kimber highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for girls to compete against their peers, leading to the development of a competitive and supportive community within the sport.

With Alaska being considered a pioneer in women’s wrestling, Kimber’s dedication to creating opportunities for girls in the sport has paved the way for continued success. The tournament has not only produced talented wrestlers but has also instilled valuable life lessons such as discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

The girls state wrestling championship has seen remarkable achievements from its participants, including Olympian Tela O’Donnell Bacher, who reflects on the impact of wrestling on her life and career. As the sport continues to grow among girls in Alaska and nationwide, the opportunities for young athletes to excel both on and off the mat are expanding, providing a platform for personal growth and success.

Source
Photo credit www.adn.com