The rise in women’s wrestling has found itself as a varsity sport at Otterbein, and people surrounding the program are very excited.
Women’s wrestling has taken off around the Ohio and Westerville area, and the head coach, players and alumni seem to all be on board for what will make history for Otterbein as it features women’s wrestling this winter.
Head coach Chris Kline said that it is unbelievable to be the first women’s wrestling coach for Otterbein.
“I grew up right here in Westerville, so it truly does mean a lot to me," Kline said.
Kline also said that it means a lot for him to provide opportunities for the women and for his daughter.
The addition of women's wrestling is also significant to the players, especially the first-years making their decision to come to Otterbein.
Raegan Briggs, a first-year nursing major said, “I was really excited to commit knowing that this is going to be the first year we are going to have women’s wrestling here.” Briggs also said that it was exciting to be a part of the start of a women’s wrestling program just like she did at her high school.
Hailey Hatfield, a first-year art and educational studies double major said that she loved the coach and looked forward to being a part of a team that would grow over time.
Women’s wrestling has become increasingly popular since 1994 when the number of women wrestlers was just 804. Now it's over 50,000. The upperclassmen on the wrestling team along with alumni spoke on this rise in women’s wrestling.
"It’s so empowering for women to be able to step on the mat," said Marvet Hejazin, a sophomore journalism and media communications major. She added that it brings self confidence to be able to wrestle.
For other students, like junior health and sports science major Olivia Shore, who was an NCAA champion in 2022, women's wrestling includes benefits such as self-defense.
“I had five brothers so I was kind of used to getting beat up. ..." Shore said. “I think it’s a good trait to defend yourself and why not win titles while defending yourself at the same time.”
Additionally former Otterbein alumni wrestler Adi Tamarapoo pointed to the long time lack of opportunity for women in wrestling. Tamarapoo said that for a long time, the women were forced to only be able to wrestle men.
"That whole dynamic would really discourage women away from wrestling,” Tamarapoo said. He also said that it's important that Otterbein picked up women’s wrestling as a varsity sport.
“Otterbein is all about giving opportunities to people, I am proud to call this place home," Tamarapoo said.
The Otterbein women’s wrestling team will debut on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Tiffin Invitational.
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