SHS Kalysta Connolly makes women’s wrestling history

by Cindy Lance

Stockbridge High School Freshman Kalysta Connolly, daughter of Brian and Stephanie Connolly, made history this month with her participation in the Michigan girls high school wrestling state championship competition and her 8^th place win. Picture courtesy of Brian Connolly

Stockbridge High School Freshman Kalysta Connolly, daughter of Brian and Stephanie Connolly, made history this month, not only through her participation in the Michigan girls high school wrestling state championship competition, but also with her 8^th place finish.

As Brendan Savage reported Jan. 31 on Mlive, for the first time in history, Michigan was to hold a girls high school wrestling state championship on Sunday, Feb. 3. Previously, girls have participated on boys’ teams in order to have a shot at a state title. But this year, the Michigan Wrestling Association held the Girls High School Wrestling State Finals at Adrian College. 

Kalysta, a first year wrestler, was in a very tough weight class. Coach Brent Young said, “in her final match she had to beat a senior athlete to retain her position. She was losing 8-1. With 37 seconds left, she pinned her opponent, wining the match! Very proud of her!”

When asked what inspired her to join wrestling, Kalysta said that “it was something new, and I wanted to participate in a winter sport.”  She enjoyed the season, she said, and learned that not only does wrestling push a person to work harder every day, “it also pushes you physically and mentally to a state you have never been pushed to before.”

Kalysta indicated it felt amazing to participate in something so new, and also to create history. “It was emotional to be able to place 8^th as a Freshman. Now I know that next season I have some things to work on, to place better next championship.”

In a time when participation in athletics and extracurricular activities are facing challenges in Stockbridge Community Schools, it is inspiring to see this bright and vivacious young women try something new.  She encourages any females interested in wrestling not to be afraid and to come on out.  The team would love to have new teammates join the rest of the males and females. “We look forward to growing and building the program!” she said.