ELYRIA, Ohio — For the first time ever, girls on high school wrestling teams across the state will have a tournament to call their own. This weekend, more than 250 girls are expected to participate in the state-level event sponsored by the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association.
The state meet is not an Ohio High School Athletic Association event, but all of the girls who are taking part must be members of their school's OHSAA team.
Among the participants is Elyria High School freshman Riley Banyas, a standout in the sport and top-seed in her weight class.
"Things are looking pretty good for the state tournament, which is starting tomorrow [Saturday]," said Banyas as she made her final preparations before leaving for Hilliard, Ohio. The competition will be held at Hilliard Davidson High School.
Elyria High School has a storied program with much success over the years. As a girl, Banyas wondered if she would fit in after leaving her previous school for a chance to excel under new coaches.
"It was a little nerve-racking because I didn’t really know how I would fit in the room with all these great wrestlers," said Banyas about making the change. " [the guys] really accepted me more than I expected at the beginning. I wasn’t expecting to get along with all the guys as much as I do.
Banyas has been wrestling for the last five years, getting inspiration from her brother early on. Her early commitment to the sport has allowed her much success early on.
This season, Banyas has a 12-7 overall record, a majority of her wins coming against boys. She is undefeated against girls in her weight class. For that reason, she's optimistic about her future and what her success could mean for the future of girls wrestling.
"I get three more years of this after this year. Maybe it’ll hopefully get more girls doing it," she said.
"I like the direction they’re going right now," said Erik Burnett, Elyria's wrestling coach. "Obviously, having a state tournament for the girls is a huge step."
Burnett says Banyas has been awesome this year, and he coaches her no different than he would the boys.
"She’s wrestled some really tough boys this year," Burnett recalled. "She’s gone out and given it everything she’s got. And she’ll win some and she’ll lose some. But it’s always a work in progress. She’s always trying to learn from every experience."
And this weekend's experience will be one to savor, with Banyas having an opportunity to make history as one of the state's first female wrestling champs and having her name forever remembered in Elyria High School's wrestling room.
"My goal is to win that state title and be the first girl state champ here at Elyria."
Regardless of her success this weekend, Banyas wants other girls to always follow their dreams even if it goes against the grain.
"I think that they need to stick to what they like," she said proudly.
"Don’t let anybody tease you about it. Just do what you want to do. You’re your own person. Be different!"