By Keeghan Gittins
For The New Era
Some 100 girls from all over the United States converged on Sweet Home High School last week for the fifth annual Santiam Wrestling Camp for girls.
The camp, held June 30 to July 2, precedes the boys camp, which was held earlier this week.
Sweet Home Coach Steve Thorpe noted that the camp started in 2021, out of COVID, with 26 girls.
“This year we had 96 girls,” Thorpe said.
Linfield Women’s Wrestling Coach Frank Johnson was one of the instructors, demonstrating a multitude of moves for the girls. He brought along one of his top wrestlers, Josh Johnson, to assist with coaching.
Wrestlers filled the main gym, which was set up with three full-size mats. Johnson worked with the more advanced group in the wrestling room, where the girls added multiple moves to their arsenal.
“I chose to come to this camp because even the little things make a difference,” said Sweet Home’s Alizeah Weikle. “Doing the extra, even when others aren’t, the work I put in now will pay off in February.”
Weikle had the opportunity to wrestle Olivia Hernandez of Philomath, a 15-year-old wrestler with a highly decorated resume. Hernandez is a six-time state champion, five-time national champion, and two-time Pan-American champion. The Pan American wrestling tournament, held in Guatemala, allows only one wrestler per country to represent each of the 30 weight classes.
“I couldn’t say no to the challenge and I’m willing to take advantage of every wrestling opportunity I can get, even if I lose, because my losses make me a better wrestler,” said Weikle.
“I came to this camp because I felt it has some of the toughest competition, and that is what I need to improve,” said Hernandez.
Many wrestlers from all around the United States made the trip to Sweet Home for the camp.
“I think it’s inspiring to see girls of all ages and experience levels join our wrestling community,” Weikle said.
“Sweet Home is one of the only places in Oregon that would allow [us] to bring in so many kids into their school,” Thorpe said. “This provides so many different kids for our kids to train with and get to know. I am so grateful to have a district and administration that allows this to happen.
“Bringing back college wrestlers and our alumni are incredible examples to the kids at camp. They are walking examples of what is possible with hard work, dedication and opportunity.”
Thurston Coach Mike Simons, whose teams have won consecutive 5A/6A girls team state titles over the past two seasons, also said he appreciated having alums help out with this year’s camp.
“The girls that came back to give back to the camp was very special,” Simons said. “Quality people and incredible wrestlers.”