The Southeast Polk girls’ wrestling team competed at the state championships Friday, January 21 through Saturday, January 22.

Sophomore Bella Porcelli has been wrestling for nine years through clubs and SEP. Porcelli went nearly undefeated this season with a final record of ten wins and one loss.

“State was fun, but scary. Once you get out there, you’re in the mindset to work hard and push through the match,” said Porcelli.

Being a leader as a sophomore, Porcelli is a role model and motivator for the team.

“I have them set a goal for themselves and I do the same. We work towards it, and keep pushing until we reach it,” said Porcelli.

Sophomore Cece Scarff has been wrestling for five years and ended her season with a record of eight wins and three losses.

“I enjoyed having a larger team this year. We had team bondings where we would go out to eat after meets and we hungout on the weekends,” said Scarff.

Being in a sport that wasn’t geared toward females gives Scarff her own motivation to get out there and wrestle.

“I love breaking standards. I’m a big women advocate. I love pushing boundaries,” said Scarff.

Girls’ team head coach Eric Morrow spoke out on the girls’ wrestling program.

“The girls are blended into the program in itself. They see the history and the expectations and standards to live up to. They aren’t viewed as just ‘girls,’ they are viewed as athletes. They are classified the same, with the same expectations,” said Morrow.

Morrow has been coaching for 16 years. This year was his first year coaching a larger girls team.

“My favorite experience this year was the girls bonding at the state atmosphere and Bella winning her semi-finals match,” said Morrow.

With a tremendous addition of girls to the program in the last few years, Morrow and the girls team look forward to adding to their team in the near future.