In 2022 IHSA held its first girls wrestling state competition, which let girls compete on one of the biggest stages in high school wrestling. This was a very big accomplishment and great progress for women’s sports.

In a central Illinois proud article, Liz Lape states “Girl wrestlers make history Saturday, February 26, competing
in the IHSA State Championships for the first-time ever”. This was a big deal for the wrestlers, families, coaches, friends and many more. This will forever be the first girls wrestling IHSA state championship, it will be in the record books.

The Joliet west tigers had 3 girls wrestlers make it to the state competition. Those 3 include Chloe Wong, Stejah Allen, and Eliana Paramo. Joliet West had a proper send off for the girls before their trip down to state that included a hallway send off with the band playing and students gathered wishing them luck. While all 3 of them worked extremely hard and had a great season, Eliana Proama was the only girl from JWHS to place. She placed 5th in the 115 weight class.

When asked about her experience at state, freshman Chloe Wong explained “the adrenaline was the best part, it was my dream to be there. Seeing how much the work paid off, I could be the first 4 year
girl state qualifier”.

The overall excitement and competitiveness that happened will never be forgotten. These girls worked so hard to get there and did a great job when they got there. Expect to see these girls for time to come.