Wake up, go to school, eat carefully balanced meals, go to practice, go to the gym, and then go back home. The life of a wrestler is one of discipline, hard work and practice. Once considered a mens-only sport, girl’s wrestling is now the fastest growing high school sport in the nation. Nebraska had its first ever Wrestling State Championships with gender and Class divisions on Feb 18-22. EPS sent six female wrestlers, two from Elkhorn North, so the growth of wrestling is evident at home.
Sophomore Keira Hecht wrestles in the 110 lb category, and junior Ella Japp wrestles in the 100 lb category.
“They are both great teammates and very supportive,” JV wrestler freshman Elyse Cook said.
Hecht was inspired to wrestle because her older sister Natalie Hecht, who also used to wrestle for Elkhorn and now wrestles at Southeast Community College, inspired her. Japp also comes from a wrestling family and always knew she would become a wrestler.
“I’ve been involved in the wrestling world since elementary school,” Japp said. “My dad wrestled. My brother [Tyler Japp] wrestled for Elkhorn North, and was the first State qualifier and placer in school history. My cousin [Grayden Japp] also wrestles.”
This was not Hecht or Japp’s first season, but for Hecht, this season included a major change: weight class. Moving up from the 105lb class to 110 class meant training longer and harder.
“Wrestling is hands down one of the most physically and mentally challenging sports, and moving up a weight class makes it tougher,” Hecht said. “In season, I practice 5-6 times a week, while during the offseason I normally practice 2-4 times a week.”
All the time, dedication, and determination contributed towards wrestling also translate into other aspects of life.
For Hecht, wrestling has helped her express and release emotion in a safe and healthy way.
“Wrestling is a big outlet for me to relieve any stress or anger I have, or have had previously,” Hecht said. “When I’m on the mat, I can just let out anything that’s been bothering me,”
For Ella Japp, this season was a memorable one, as she consistently placed in the top three at almost every tournament and dual she attended.
“Ella is quiet, but she has a very kind heart,” Cook said. “She’s very humble.”
Japp placed second at Millard West, first at the SkyHawk Invite, and first at the EMC tournament.
“When I win a match, especially using a technique I had been practicing, it’s pretty hard to describe the feeling, but if anything, I think I’d say I feel pride,” Japp said.
Both would go on to place No.4 at Districts in their respective weight classes, ultimately qualifying for their first State championship.
“Qualifying was hands down the best moment I’ve ever experienced. I literally ran straight to my coach and hugged him,” Hecht said. “It felt like a dream.”
Their hard work and time had paid off. Not only were Japp and Hecht going to State, but they were making school history as the first girls from Elkhorn North to qualify for the very first Girls State Championship.
“Being one of the first girls to qualify for state, at the first all-girls state wrestling competition in Nebraska feels crazy,” Hecht said. “I still can’t believe how far girl’s wrestling has come, especially since I get to experience it happening firsthand.”
At State, the combined Elkhorn team wrestled Class A. It was a great learning experience for both Hecht and Japp, with Japp making it to the third round. Hecht fought a hard battle but ultimately lost to the No.2 and eventual runner up.
“All of the girls on this team worked hard to become better,” girls wrestling coach Jay Parker said. “We went from placing top 7 in our tournaments to consistently getting 2nd place. And then, we qualified an astonishing six wrestlers for State and blew away most of our records.”
Next year, Hecht will be a junior and Japp will be a senior. Both are determined to work harder, perform better and continue making State and school history.
“Wrestling takes up time, but it’s so fun to be a part of, and incredibly rewarding,” Hecht said.
