Warren Lady Dragon wrestlers who competed at this weekend’s Hickory Invitational are, from left, Emily Wiles (fifth), Jenna Kophazy (second), Kasey Kophazy (second), and Katrina Seamens (second). Submitted Photo

It’s been “thank you, next” for the Warren Lady Dragons wrestling team.

While seniors Kasey Kophazy and Katrina Seamens are grateful for the opportunity to wrestle for the first-time PIAA-sanctioned sport, it’s time to go to work.

Over the weekend, Kasey Kophazy, Seamens and sophomore Jenna Kophazy all finished second in their respective weight classes at the Hickory Invitational. Freshman Emily Wiles was fifth. Warren was fourth as a team despite teams having double the roster.

“Women being able to compete in a sanctioned sport shows we are here and are not going anywhere anytime soon,” said Kasey Kophazy. “We are working hard now to help future generations of female wrestlers be seen as real athletes and no longer just girls that want to do a ‘man’s sport.'”

Kasey Kophazy “brings a great work ethic to the room with a great desire to improve,” said Warren coach Glenn Baldensperger. “She has a lot of matches under her belt as she competed for Warren County Girls United (WCGU). We look forward to seeing how far she gets in her senior campaign.

“Kate (Seamens) also brings a very focused desire to get better,” said Baldensperger. “She also brings her experience at WCGU to the room. She will make a great role model for all the young ladies to follow in her footsteps. We look for her to go deep into the post-season.

“Jenna also has a wealth of experience from competing with WCGU. She looks to build on that this season. We look for her to be one of the top contenders in her weight class this season.

“Emily brings a fiery spirit to the room,” said Baldensperger. “She does have some experience. We look to see her improve throughout the season.

Freshman Alyssa Reichle was injured in a scrimmage, but was “starting to figure things out,” he said.

“Girls wrestling is the fastest growing sport in high school,” said Baldensperger. “The number of colleges offering girls programs has grown extremely, giving the girls a great opportunity for scholarships. The girls work out at the same practice as the WAHS boys, but only with girl partners.

“Garrett Smead has stepped up to travel with the girls this year,” said Baldensperger. “He is very passionate about his coaching and helping whoever he gets the chance to. Keith Kophazy, who has been the leader in the area for the girls wrestling and helped to found Warren County Girls United, will be helping with transportation, scheduling, development and recruiting.”

Kasey Kophazy says “this year’s experience has been very different from previous years. It’s a lot better actually being a part of a real team and not having to compete alone anymore. Now that I am a part of this team, I get a lot more practice in and can compete in higher levels with more confidence.

“My goal with this team is to try and grow numbers and get some of the newer girls some experience on the mat,” she said. “My goal this year is to qualify for states. This would help my long-term goal of wrestling in college on a women’s team and possibly becoming a coach in the future.”

The girls will be wrestling in Athens, Pa., this weekend, with 18 teams from Pennsylvania, New York, and Maine.

“I was very excited when Pennsylvania officially got sanctioned,” said Seamens. “Since we are officially part of the school program, we have been able to get more practice and one-on-one experience. Wrestling has also broadened my college interests, especially as more and more colleges develop a girls team. From my experience, as more girls continue to join wrestling, females are now able get more opportunities in male-dominated sports.

“I was drawn to wrestling because of the physical and mental benefits I could receive,” said Seamens. “I have a close friend who was interested in the sport, and she greatly influenced my interests. I also wanted to feel more secure with myself, whether it’s my body image or just being able to defend myself. Some sports you can win by pure luck and athleticism. While wrestling does require you to be physically fit, it is a sport that can be mentally manipulative, therefore the only way you can expect to win is if you have the ability to stay out of your head, and have the power, determination, and technique, to do so. In the future, regardless of which college I apply to, I’d love to continue wrestling, whether it’s a club or if I wrestle individually.

“(Right now,) I’m most excited about seeing the sport grow, especially in our school,” she said.