The Oak Park and River Forest High School girls wrestling program looks different from recent years as a few familiar names — Sarah Ephstein, Tiffany and Trinity White among others — have moved on due to graduation. But there are several returnees looking to make a name for themselves, and second-year coach Patrick Woulfe likes how things have gone so far for the Huskies.
“The season is going as well as can be expected,” he said. “Our strengths are that our girls love to compete and love the camaraderie of being on the team together.”
OPRF returned 12 from last year’s squad: seniors Kemaria Freeman (190 pounds), Pearl Lacey (120), and Lyra Schaafsma (155); juniors Caliyah Campbell (170), Maggie Herman (120-125), Michelle Kpekpe (130), Isabella Miller (140), Sofia Nicolosi (120-125, who missed the majority of the past two seasons with injuries), and Aliyah Siordia (105-110); and sophomores Maria Brennan (130-135), Kayla George (155), and Sophia Hinojosa (115-120). Campbell and Miller are the two returning Illinois Wrestlers Coaches Association All-Staters.
Newcomers for the Huskies include freshmen Kai Henderson (190) and Elliana Martinez (190); sophomore Anna Rinaldi (140-145), and juniors Nerissa Blue (170), Cora Brown (145), and London Barnes (140-145).
“We wouldn’t be the team we are without the efforts of coaches Phyllis Nash and Cam Neuman,” Woulfe said. “Their hard work and dedication really drive the successes of the girls.”
OPRF started this decision solidly, placing 13th out of 32 schools with 81 points at the Niles West Invitational, Nov. 30. Hinojosa (12-12) placed fifth in the 120 lb. class; Lacey (16-11) was fourth at 125; and senior Megan Barajas was fifth at 170.
The Huskies have some major upcoming invitationals: at Conant, Jan. 11; at Hoffman Estates, Jan. 17; and the West Suburban Conference championships, Jan. 25, at Addison Trail. In addition, OPRF hosts its own invitational, Jan. 22, and welcomes Mother McAuley for Senior Night, Jan. 30.
“The girls are learning a lot of wrestling and competing hard,” Woulfe said. “We’ve been hit pretty hard by the injury bug, but I’m excited to see where the girls are toward the end of the season.”