Sixth for the 6%

Stepping on the wrestling mat is a nerve-racking experience, but it’s a completely different experience when you’re one of the 6% of women who participate in wrestling.

Female wrestler Alyssa Foreman explains how her main drive for getting into wrestling was a man by the name of David Quimby, who was a wrestling coach, telling Alyssa’s dad she could be a good wrestler.

Foreman says that she not only has an interest in wrestling, but she races BMX around the country. She says that she’s been to places including Tulsa, Oklahoma, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Bakersfield, California.

After asking Foreman what a day at practice is like, she claims, “It is hard. It is really physical, hard, and time-consuming. It is rough, but it is fun.”

Sitting down with Annika Thompson, who has known Alyssa for a while but has only been friends with her for about a year, shares her thoughts and experiences with Alyssa.

Thompson says, “ I think she’s an excellent wrestler. I think she has a lot of raw talent. She is tough; she was born with that.” 

Thompson explains how Foreman’s body structure is ideal for developing muscle easily.

As Thompson goes on, she adds that there is always room for improvement, especially in wrestling. 

“I think that if she sticks with it and she keeps working hard and puts in the extra work, by the time she is a senior, she could be a state champ.”

Thompson says that she shows good confidence considering it is her first year. 

“I think that she is the ideal wrestler where they are nice to you off the mat, but they are also ruthless off the mat,” Thompson says.

She adds that Foreman does her best fitting in with the male wrestlers. “It is definitely not the easiest thing in the world to be one of the few girls in a room full of males, but I think she gets along with a lot of the kids, especially those her age, the freshmen.

Wrestling at 126 pounds, Foreman explains what she must go through to keep weight. She explains scratching, which is a leeway for making weight.

If Foreman or another wrestler makes weight three times, they get a two-pound allowance for the rest of the year.

According to Foreman, the key to successful weight cutting is “It is just making sure you’re eating good, and a lot of cardio and strength training.”

I also asked Foreman how she gets treated by the male wrestlers, and she says, “Pretty good; I am friends with them, and I think they see me as just another wrestler.

Foreman says her dad inspires her, “Not for wrestling exactly, but for sports, he makes sure I get up, and I’m there on time, making sure I have the drive.”

Foreman says that she still plans on wrestling throughout her high school years. She says she might try another sport in her later years. 

Foreman just placed 6th in the Rollie Lane Invitational. 

Foreman ends with a final statement, “We need more girl wrestlers.” Trying to increase diversity and get people out of their comfort zones.