Waite, wrestling in the 8-and-under, 51-pound girls division, wasted little time in her first bout, securing a takedown in the first five seconds to get the fall in just 24 seconds over Emelia Thibodeaux of Conneaut. She then racked up seven points in the first period of her quarterfinal bout en route to a 9-5 win over Muirenn Bagnell of Philadelphia.

In the semifinals, Waite dropped her bout by fall to eventual state champion Raelee Fitzwilliam of Baldwin. But she quickly bounced back in the consolation semifinals with a hard-fought 4-2 decision over Karee Pitcavage of Dallas. After being taken down in the first period, Waite managed a last-second reversal to end the period. She then added a takedown in the second period to go up 4-2 and seal the victory and her spot on the podium.

In her consolation final bout, she dropped a 9-0 major decision to Marley Dixon of Dubois.

KEYSTONE

Lane Morrison, left, with the Academic Excellence award and Alivia Glotz with the Sportsmanship award at the Eisenhower Youth Wrestlers annual banquet on April 6. Photo submitted to the Times Observer

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Wrestling in the Keystone State Championships held at the Erie Insurance Arena, Evan Wilcox posted a 1-2 record to cap off his season.

He dropped a close 6-5 decision to Easton Hertzog of Norwin in the opening round, nearly coming from behind in the third period. Evan then picked up a 9-3 win over Brock Mowry of United in the second consolation round, scoring from every position.

The Eisenhower Youth Wrestlers celebrated their season and were recognized for their accomplishments at their annual banquet on April 6. Waite was voted Most Outstanding Wrestler. Lane Morrison and Alivia Glotz received the Sportsmanship award, Owen Ash earned the True Grit award, and Lane Morrison received the Academic Excellence award.

Owen Ash received the True Grit award at the Eisenhower Youth Wrestlers annual banquet on April 6. Photo submitted to the Times Observer