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The Richmond Hill Lady Wildcats wrestling team continues to step on the mat and make history in only its second year of competition. On Thursday, January 16, they hosted their first state preliminary match against Jackson County High School. The high-stakes contest ended in a tie, but the Wildcats prevailed through a tiebreaker, earning their spot at the GHSA Class 5A Wrestling Dual Championships this weekend.

Head Coach Tony Dragon couldn't contain his pride for the team and their rapid progress. "I think last year, when we got a group of girls, those girls really promoted and recruited others. They were great ambassadors for the program," he said. "I didn't really have to do too much myself. The girls just went out there, invited others, and helped grow the program." That girl's recruitment effort laid the foundation for a team now making its mark in the history books of Richmond Hill High School Athletics.

The Wildcats' victory was highlighted by senior Izzy West, who secured her 100th career win during the pivotal final match. Her performance helped Richmond Hill edge out Jackson County by a razor-thin margin of 43-42. The outcome was determined by GHSA's tiebreaking criteria, which awards victory to the team with the most first takedowns. 

In the victory over Jackson County, the Wildcats achieved pins from Amelia Wickline at 135 pounds, Kaitlyn Platt at 145 pounds, Rymonea Rivers at 155 pounds, Coralys Lopez at 100 pounds, Liliana Flacksenburg at 105 pounds, Lacee Dragon at 110 pounds, and West at 106 pounds.

Coach Dragon praised West for her no-nonsense approach to competition. "She's all business when she steps on the mat. You don't have to motivate her. When it's her turn to wrestle, she just goes out there, gets after it, and takes care of business," Dragon said. "That competitive edge is something newer wrestlers can learn from her."

Photo - Izzy West and Family after 100 win match - courtesy justshotsports

Coach Dragon mentioned another standout senior, Kaitlyn Platt, who has had an exceptional season with only two losses. "Kaitlyn's been dynamite for us. She's really taken on a leadership role, and the other girls look up to her," Dragon shared. "Her example is helping to drive the team forward."

Photo - Kaitlyn Platt (Black/Gold) vs. Jackson Co. - Prep Sports Report

Dragon admitted that coaching his daughter, Lacey, or your child can be challenging. "It's definitely difficult coaching your kids. I've got two great assistants, Zack Sheets and Taylor Cochrane, and I often push Lacey toward them when I need to step back. It's tough, but we make it work," he said.

Hosting their first state preliminary match has also played a key role in building local support for girls' wrestling at Richmond Hill. "This year, we hosted a dual meet for the first time ever earlier in the season and then got to host this state match," Dragon explained. "We definitely feel like we have a product that's just as good as any other sport. The more we can show it off, the more the sport will grow in our area."

With a larger roster this year that has doubled since the Wildcat's first season (16), managing competition and ensuring all team members stay motivated has been a priority for the coaching staff. "We go to a lot of tournaments and try to enter as many girls as we can," Dragon said. "We've split the team up a couple of times, sending two teams to different places to ensure everyone gets opportunities to compete."

Looking ahead to the GHSA Class 5A Wrestling Dual Championships in Dahlonega, Georgia, this weekend, January 25th and 26th. Dragon remains optimistic. "We're waiting on the seedings, but I feel good," he said. "It's the top eight teams, so everyone we face will be outstanding. I hope the girls are ready to compete, give it their all, and we'll see where that takes us."

For Coach Dragon, the team's success sends an important message to young girls in the community. "We want them to know there's a place for them here at the high school—a place where they can compete at a high level and be part of a sport that is exciting and growing," he said. The Lady Wildcats show that wrestling is for everyone, inspiring the next generation of girl wrestlers to step onto the mat confidently.

NOTE: ROSTER from Trackwrestling.com

Photo Credit: Courtesy justshootsports on instagram

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