The Oak Park and River Forest High School girls wrestling program has a new leader as Phyli Nash takes over the head coaching reins from Patrick Woulfe, who led the Huskies for the past two seasons.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead this growing program,” said Nash, who served as an assistant under Woulfe. “We have 15 girls rostered, and I am extremely proud of the progress they have made so far.”
OPRF returns seven seniors, including Nerissa Blue (155 pounds), Caliyah Campbell (170), Michelle Kpekpe (130), and Isabella Miller, a sectional qualifier last season. Nash says all four wrestle year-round and are considering continuing their careers collegiately. She also likes the experience and leadership that they provide the Huskies.
“Nerissa Blue has shown steady, consistent development and is poised for her best season yet,” Nash said. “Caliyah Campbell, our team captain, is a 2024 sectional qualifier and IWCOA (Illinois Wrestling Coaches Association) All-State wrestler whose power, maturity, and leadership drive our upper weights. Michelle Kpekpe brings strong athletic instincts and a committed mindset as she enters her senior year. Isabella Miller is a two-time IWCOA All-State wrestler competing at 140 this season. Our newcomers have brought great energy, dedication, and a willingness to learn, helping build a strong, supportive team culture from the start.”
Serving as assistant coaches this season are three former OPRF wrestlers: Cam Neuman, Nyle Pascascio, and Tiffany White. Nash says their “experience and investment in the program have been invaluable.”
Among the highlights of OPRF’s schedule are the Schaumburg Invite, Dec. 6; the Ottawa Invite, Dec. 30; the Hoffman Estates Invite, Jan. 16-17; and the West Suburban tournament, Jan. 24.
“We believe we have the talent and depth to compete at a high level in the West Suburban Conference this year,” Nash said. “Our goals are to continue improving, build confidence in all weight classes, and foster a culture rooted in accountability, grit, and sisterhood. If we remain disciplined and committed to the process, this group has the potential to deliver one of the strongest seasons yet for OPRF girls wrestling.”
OPRF had its season opener at the Niles West Invite on Nov. 29 cancelled due to the weather. The Huskies host a WSC Silver triangular meet against Lyons Township and Proviso West, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m.
Fenwick
Fenwick had four wrestlers in its girls wrestling debut last season. This season, the Friars have added four more and second-year coach Seth Gamino couldn’t be more pleased with the program’s growth.
“Fenwick is very proud of our Friars girls wrestlers,” said Gamino, who also coaches the boys. “They came together and decided they wanted to start the program; I am very proud of them and look forward to the future of our girls’ program.”
“They” refers to Fenwick’s four returnees: sophomores Aurelia Auteri and Amirah Favela, and seniors Cecelia Andino and Valerie Franco.
“Cecelia is our captain and we have great expectations for her,” Gamino said. “She hit the Beat The Streets workouts all spring and summer and continued to work all the way up to her season. She’s worked very hard and is going to take advantage of her senior year; she will give all our future Friar girls someone to look up to.
“Val wrestles great and has some serious strength,” Gamino added. “She’ll give all opponents problems on the mat. Amirah and Aurelia continue to work hard and are learning more every day. They’ll have three more full seasons and we couldn’t be happier.”
Unlike last year when they wrestled only when a boys’ varsity opponent also had a girls program, Fenwick has a full schedule this year. Notable highlights include the Fenton Tournament, Dec. 5; the Morton Tournament, Dec. 29; the Rickover Tournament, Jan. 3; and dual meets at Westinghouse (Jan. 14) and Prospect (Jan. 15).
Gamino says the program’s continued growth and development is this season’s main goal.
“Being our second year,” he said, “we’re still learning. But every dual and tournament is just as important as the next or last.”
