Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Cooperative agreements provide more opportunity
BGM turns out three champions, Iowa Valley adds two
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
SIGOURNEY — Three area champions at the South Iowa Cedar League girls’ wrestling tournament Monday night in Sigourney represented schools they do not attend.
Cooperative agreements have become a common thing among small schools in Iowa competing in girls’ wrestling.
BGM’s Taya Sincox, champion at 130-pounds, is a student at Montezuma.
Sincox was the lone girl who wanted to wrestle at the school, but thanks to the cooperative agreement with BGM, she is able to participate in the sport she has a passion for.
“It was really scary at first, but I’ve grown to really love all the coaches,” Sincox said. “Their support has been great.”
The 15 minute drive to practice everyday is well worth it for Sincox, who has made great strides from last season.
“Its comeback season,” said Sincox, who went from 0-4 at conference last year to champion this year with a 37-9 record. Sincox won both her matches by fall on the night.
Sincox now hopes to make a run at State; regionals are coming up Friday.
For Sincox, it’s all about staying calm in the moment.
“I pray before every match to stay calm,” Sincox said. “I just need to remember to stay calm during my matches.”
Kodie Holcomb (140) and Raelene Hawkins (170) were champions for Iowa Valley, but both are students at HLV.
Holcomb went 4-0 on the night, winning all four by fall and all in the first period.
Holcomb is an aggressive wrestler, which shows on the mat.
“I need to keep a level head and not get in my head so much,” said Holcomb of her mindset.
Holcomb is grateful for the opportunity to wrestle for the Tigers.
“It’s been a great experience,“ Holcomb said. ”I have tons of new people I wrestle with, the coaches have been amazing, and I’m grateful for the people there (at Iowa Valley).“
Hawkins won both her matches by fall Monday and reached her 100th career win on the way to the 170-pound title.
Eight schools in the SICL have cooperative agreements with other schools.
Co-ops have become a crucial part of the ever-growing sport, helping to provide every girl with the opportunity to wrestle, even if it means representing another school.
“I think it’s important for small schools to have agreements so they have a place to wrestle,” Sincox said. “Girls’ wrestling is growing everyday.”
As the sport continues to grow, these agreements will continue to be important until schools are able to field enough athletes for their own programs, especially in smaller conferences such as the SICL.
BGM had two other champions Monday — Shyla VanNevel (120) and Cheyleigh Blankenship (135). VanNevel went 2-0 and Blankenship 4-0.
The Bears finished tied for second in the team race, with 100 points.
In addition to the Tigers’ two champions, Skyler Hoyt (125) added a runner-up finish. Hoyt was in the biggest weight class on the night and finished 4-1.
English Valleys had third-place finishes from Emily Sieren (100) Lyla Smothers (125) and Christy Knapp (135). Taylor Mikesell was runner-up at 170.
All three teams are headed to Colfax-Mingo Friday.
Team Scores
1. Colfax-Mingo 173, T2. BGM & North Mahaska 100, 4. Sigourney-Keota 84.5, 5. Iowa Valley 83, 6. English Valleys 50, 7. Tri-County 27
SICL Champions
100 pounds — Lily Webster (Colfax-Mingo)
105 — Allison Minteer (Colfax-Mingo)
110 — Devan Chadwick (Colfax-Mingo)
115 — Reanah Utterback (Sigourney-Keota)
120 — Shyla VanNevel (BGM)
125 — Macie Little (North Mahaska)
130 — Taya Sincox (BGM)
135 — Cheyleigh Blankenship (BGM)
140 — Kodie Holcomb (Iowa Valley)
145 — Hadley Millang (Colfax-Mingo)
155 — Alauna Wells (Colfax-Mingo)
170 — Raelene Hawkins (Iowa Valley)
190 — Madison Clarahan (Sigourney)
Hwt.— Emma Cook (Colfax-Mingo)
