Although girls’ wrestling is not a prominent part of Edina’s past, it looks to play a significant role in its future. Since the Minnesota State High School League sanctioned the sport two years ago, girls’ wrestling programs have rapidly grown across Minnesota. Thus, Edina High School looks to expand its wrestling program accordingly. “Girls’ wrestling in Minnesota is getting bigger and bigger every year, and we want to be part of that historical growth,” Girls’ Wrestling Coach Luis Nebel said.
With such aspirations in mind, EHS will host a girls-only wrestling clinic on May 7 to introduce the wrestling program while weaving in self-defense and other physical fitness skills. The clinic is free of charge, does not require registration, and is open to high and middle schoolers. “[We want] girls to get excited about [wrestling], and say ‘Hey, this can be a sport that I can get into,’” Nebel said.
Sophomore Tenzin Dechen, the only female wrestler on the Edina team, also believes the clinic will significantly aid the EHS wrestling program. “I think it will motivate people to go out there and get out of their comfort zone and try something new, [which] will be a really good thing for Edina because there’s not a lot of girl wrestlers [at EHS], but other schools have so many,” she said.
To keep the clinic open to all, there are no prerequisites for either the clinic or the wrestling program, and the clinic will mainly feature introductory wrestling moves and low-intensity exercises. “Wrestling offers a lot of different components, so there will be lots of stance, motion, positioning, and probably a couple of basic takedowns [at the clinic with] self-defense moves and situations to make it fun and interesting,” Head Wrestling Coach Josh Burhans said.
In addition to growing interest in the wrestling program, Nebel hopes the clinic will benefit participants’ mentality. “The biggest things I want the girls to learn are self-discipline, strength, and a little bit of courage as well,” he said. Dechen observed many of these benefits in herself shortly after joining the team, especially confidence and discipline boosts. “Wrestling has helped me a lot, even off the mat. I’ve become more confident [in] everything I do outside of the wrestling room. [Wrestling] also teaches you how to commit to things and how to be a better person overall,” she said.
While it has numerous mental benefits, wrestling can also provide unique post-secondary opportunities to participants. “Division I wrestling teams are opening up their rooms to female teams, which means it gives more opportunities for young ladies to go to college under a wrestling scholarship, and not many people know about that,” Nebel said. Dechen also noted that she was immensely grateful for the wrestling community and the many friendships it fosters. “My teammates are a really big part of it — no matter if I win or lose they’re always there. We all build each other up, even if it’s off the mat, and we’re always there for each other,” she said.
Dechen strongly encourages girls to try wrestling to experience this supportive community. “I was the only girl wrestler, but it felt like it because everybody was super welcoming. The coaches wanted to meet my standards on everything, and they didn’t treat me differently just because I was [the only] girl on the team,” she said. As a result, Dechen always looks forward to her practices. “You want to show up because of all the support you’re getting,” she said.
Burhans, Dechen, and Nebel believe any girl can become a stellar wrestler. “With a little bit of dedication and effort, you’ll be surprised at how fast you can pick it up,” Nebel said. Burhans also hopes the clinic will help diminish the many stigmas surrounding the sport. “We still want to get past some of those stigmas that are associated with wrestling and just focus on the sport itself and all the benefits that people can get from it,” he said. Dechen concurred, adding that wrestling is more popular than many girls believe. “I signed up not knowing what I was getting into, but I got in the room and everybody was super helpful. I [realized] how much bigger the sport is than I thought,” she said.
By taking a risk or trying something new, Dechen believes that many girls can discover their passion similarly. “Even though it’s a new sport, it’s just like everything else you do; you’re always learning [because] it’s everyone’s first time living. So I think if you have the opportunity, you might as well take it because it’s not going to be there forever,” she said.
