During the 2024 Junior High Wrestling State Qualifier on Feb. 18 at Maplewood High School in Guys Mills Connolly pinned her opponent during the second period. The win earned her the top spot for Area VIII in the state competition. She ranked fifth out of 23 girls in the 137 pound bracket.

“Her semifinals match ended with a pin after a 20 to 11 high scoring match, which led her to the finals for the first time in her junior high career,” stated Sarah Connolly, Kealon’s mom.

From Feb. 28 until March 2, Connolly attended the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Championships in Johnstown. During the competition, she won two matches earning her a State Champion singlet (wrestling outfit), as well as the gold medal.

On Saturday, Connolly pinned her first opponent in under a minute and then won 13 to 8 against her second opponent.

Kaelon Connolly, wearing her gold medal, stands proud at the top of the 2024 Junior High Wrestling Championship winners’ podium on Saturday, March 9 in Johnstown.

“Seeing her at the top of the podium was a pretty awesome sight,” said Sarah Connolly of the experience. “She finally did it and I am so proud.”

The success of her gold medal was not the only surprise Kaelon Connolly experienced on Saturday, March 2 — that evening Connolly was escorted back into Sheffield by members of the Cherry Grove Volunteer Fire Department, the Sheffield Volunteer Fire Department and the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department. Upon arriving home she was then greeted by a “huge group of family and friends,” relayed Sarah Connolly.

“I’d just like to thank my coaches — Tom Holden, Jimmy Holden, Toby Williams and Nate Mocny through my school matches. Also, Frank Artise and Andy Dylon who were my coaches at the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Championship,” said Kealon Connolly.

Kaelon Connolly has been a member of the Sheffield Junior High School wrestling team for the past two seasons. In addition, she also wrestled with the Warren girls team. Kealon Connolly has placed third two times at the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Tournament. Also, in 2022 she placed third after competing in the Keystone State Championship.

“She is beyond dedicated to the sport, wrestles through sickness and injuries and always gives it her all,” said Sarah Connolly.

Kaelon has been wrestling 11 years, first taking an interest while watching her older brother practice, recalled Sarah Connolly. In short order, Kealon realized that she could not only hang with the boys, but she could beat them.

In Kaelon Connolly’s wrestling future she will be heading to Reading on Thursday through Saturday in order to compete in the Keystone State Championship.