Category: Wrestling
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Holt Senior Wrestler Molly Root Earning Her Shot on the World Stage
By TANYA GARCIA HOLT – For Holt High senior Molly Root, wrestling isn’t just about the grind on the mat, it’s about fun, growth, and the lessons she carries with her off the mat. Competing in the 100-pound division, Root has become a determined member of the Lady Rams wrestling team, balancing her passion for…
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Breaking the Mold: Girls Wrestling Surges in Michigan High Schools
LANSING, Mich. — A once male-dominated sport is experiencing a seismic shift in Michigan high schools. Girls wrestling, long an overlooked and underserved athletic pursuit, has transformed into one of the fastest-growing sports across the state. Fueled by recent policy changes, increased visibility, and a groundswell of community support, female wrestlers are not just stepping…
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Wrestle Like a Girl: Confidence, Competition, and Grit
I'm a multimedia journalist covering girls wrestling in Michigan. Follow my reports on my website: https://t.co/oyjC6TYoVl @LansingNewsWire #girlswrestling pic.twitter.com/zYE85T4Rk6 — TANYA GARCIA (@TMGarcia77) July 19, 2025 I’m Tanya Garcia, a journalist passionate about covering girls wrestling in Michigan. I’ve had the privilege of telling the stories of young female athletes who are redefining what it…
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Junior Wrestler Izrael Canales Finds Purpose, Pride on the Mat for Holt High
By Tanya Garcia HOLT, Mich. — At just 17 years old, Izrael Diego Canales is already making a name for himself in Holt High School’s storied wrestling program. Competing in the 125-pound weight class for the boys varsity team, the sophomore brings intensity, pride, and a deep sense of brotherhood to the mat. His reason…
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Breaking Barriers and Building Bonds: Ayan Rosalee Kelley Finds Strength on the Mat
By TANYA GARCIA LANSING — For Ayan Rosalee Kelley, a varsity wrestler at Lansing Sexton High School, wrestling started as a personal goal—but it quickly turned into something much more. Competing in both the boys’ 165-pound division and the girls’ 155-pound class, Kelley is a proud representative of Sexton’s rising girls wrestling program. “I initially…
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WAAAM States 2025: A Showcase of Youth Wrestling Excellence
LANSING – The Don Johnson Field House in Lansing was alive on May 3, as it hosted the WAAAM States 2025, wrestling tournament that brought together some of the most promising young athletes from across Michigan. Allandale Wrestling Club’s 6-year-old wrestler, Chloe Barker was among the youngest competitors at the event and she was ready…
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Meet Olivia DeLaCruz: Eastern High’s Quiet Force on the Mat
At just 17, Olivia DeLaCruz has already left her mark on Lansing Eastern High’s wrestling program quietly, confidently, and with unwavering dedication. Competing in the 115-120 pound division, Olivia isn’t just one of the few girls on the team, she’s one of its most driven competitors. Now a junior, she’s no stranger to the grind.…
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Tyler Swanigan has her eyes on the Olympics
By TANYA GARCIA Tyler Swanigan has established herself as a dominant presence in the wrestling community, and now the two time high school champion and top ranked college wrestler has her sights on making the USA Olympic Wrestling Team. “I was the first athlete to become a state champion from my school,” Swanigan said. “It…
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PHOTO ESSAY: Holt High’s Olivia Root Takes on the Challenge at Ford Field
By TANYA GARCIA Olivia Root has established herself as an elite high school wrestler representing Holt High School. She finished her career ranked No. 5 with All-State honors in the 125 weight-class at the Michigan High School Athletic Association State Championship held at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Root made back-to-back appearances to the State…