Cascade athletics has produced some powerhouse teams and it looks like a new team is about to join the ranks.
The Lady Cadets wrestling team is following suit of many schools in the state by fielding an all-female squad. This team has been developing over the years and finally got a chance to shine.
Last year the team had just two athletes, in Bella Gibson and Alyssa Hecht, who wrestled on the men’s team. But this off season, the girls recruited enough counterparts to start their own team. The team is currently made up of seven wrestlers as they look to recruit more.
Coach Gabe Dunham said, “I hope to continue to grow the team every year and ultimately have a full varsity team.”
Girls wrestling is the #1 fastest growing sport in America. This burst forced the IHSAA to change the location of the Girls State finals from Kokomo to the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This event will start on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Cadet coaches have many goals for the girls to reach. Coach Brian Burelison said, “This year the coaches and I want the girls to master the basics of wrestling, place at every individual tournament, expand the team more and hopefully send some girls to state.”
The girls have dominated on the mat already this season. At the Parke Heritage Invite, Hecht found herself standing at the top of the podium. Freshman Briley Tyree placed third and junior Alyssa Mantesta placed 4th.
With all the hardwork and dedication, it will be exciting to see where the team goes.
