Senior Mel Val wrestled the tournament of her life against her competitors at the State tournament last weekend. After fighting through a migraine in the first round of the tournament, she had two incredible matches, one against a girl that beat her earlier in the tournament to come out on top at finals on Saturday night.

This is Mel's SECOND State Championship, having received her first in 2022 as a freshman. Coach Matt Sparacio reports that this is extra incredible given the rising talent and popularity of girls' wrestling in Tennessee. Over the course of her wrestling career, Mel has won 103 matches, putting her in the Centurion club.

Senior Hadlee Hale, junior Stella Wilson, and sophomore Beckler Durst all wrestled well and, although they came up short of placing, Mel's win is their win. Wrestling has a longer-than-average season, and they have practiced together, supported one another and challenged each other to be the best they can be since late November.

Special thank yous go to Coach Matt Sparacio and coach and former state champion Verena Pate ’23 for all their hard work, long hours spent traveling to and from competitions, and their guidance both on the mat and out in the world. We are so proud of Mel and all the wrestlers!

Let's go Mountain Lions!