It is not unusual for Memorial’s wrestling team to send a few boys off to state every year. However, for the first year ever, they cheered on their female teammate on her journey to state.

Senior Kallie Canfield, wrestling in the 106 weight class, currently has a record of 13-14.

“Yeah, I’ve lost some matches, but it really is my lack of experience,” said Canfield.

The team was aware that Canfield was new to the sport, but welcomed her anyway.

“They knew I had no knowledge of what I was doing, but they didn’t care,” said Canfield. “They taught me step-by-step.”

As the season went on, friendships were formed.

In a sport that is typically dominated by male athletes, Canfield hopes to set an example that girls are not limited in what they can and can’t do.

“It’s honestly such a good feeling when people are so surprised that a girl is actually wrestling for Memorial,” Canfield said.

The day of the state finals, Canfield was anxious, which is to be expected, but ready to get on the mat.

“I was super hyped up. I knew I had the strength and the training to possibly come out as state champ, but I was just waiting to see how it would go,” said Canfield.

In the end, Canfield did not win the state championship, but the experience she gained and the memories she made will certainly not fade away.

“I’m still happy I did wrestling,” said Canfield. “No doubt.”