Gary Ayers
ayers5315@bellsouth.net
The outstanding Swain girls wrestling team competed in the Great Smoky Mountain Grapple, one of the largest tournaments in the state, in Asheville recently. Competing against 28 other teams, the Lady Devils came out on top as champions.
“We competed against N.C. Top 10 teams Panther Creek, Millbrook, and North Henderson along with Tennessee powerhouse Maryville and our girls really competed well. I’m so proud of their effort against some of the best teams around,” said Head Coach Ian Roper.
Leading the way was 126-pound champion Tasia Neadeau who recorded her 100th career win.
“100 wins is an outstanding accomplishment for Tasia,” Roper said.
Seven other Lady Devils won podium finishes, listed below:
Pippa Welch, second place
Anasette Cooper, second place
Jany Echeverria, third place
Alexa Roberts, third place
Elaynah Cogdill, fifth place
Chloe Kent, sixth place
Clarie Ball, sixth place
Carolina Clash
“This past weekend we competed in the Carolina Clash down in Tryon. There were 29 teams competing, and our girls finished third. We were a little short-handed, as not all our girls could attend over the holiday break, but I was extremely proud of the way we competed,” said Roper.
“Neadeau was again a champion for us,” Roper continued. “Lylah Cogdill finished second and recorded her 100th career win during the tournament, which is a great accomplishment. Pippa Welch finished third. Our next event will be this coming weekend at Parkwood High School.”