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Ohio's Girls Wrestling Scene Hits the Spotlight in the Columbus Conference

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 6:54 GMT by Columbus Dispatch

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Ohio’s Girls Wrestling Scene Hits the Spotlight in the Columbus Conference

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has long championed wrestling as a staple of the state’s high‑school sports culture, and the 2025‑26 season has seen the sport continue to grow in popularity—especially at the girls’ level. The latest Dispatch story, published on December 24, 2025, gives a comprehensive look at the Columbus Conference girls wrestling matches that took place over the weekend, offering readers a snapshot of the schools’ performances, standout athletes, and the coaching philosophies that are shaping the next generation of wrestlers.

The Columbus Conference in Focus

The Columbus Conference, a competitive grouping of 10 public high schools in the Columbus metro area, has become the proving ground for many of Ohio’s future national‑level wrestlers. The 2025‑26 season was a landmark one, with all 10 schools fielding full teams—a rare achievement that the Dispatch article notes is thanks in part to the recent surge in girls’ wrestling programs across the state.

The matches, held at the Ohio Convention Center and the Franklin County Fairgrounds, featured a mix of dual‑team bouts and individual weight‑class contests. The article lists each school’s win‑loss record, with Columbus City High School finishing the week on a high note (8‑1), followed by Westerville North (7‑2) and Franklin Park (6‑3). Notably, the conference’s top two teams—Columbus City and Westerville North—each earned an outright conference title, a feat that will help secure their spots in the upcoming OHSAA state tournament in February.

Standout Wrestlers and Weight‑Class Highlights

The Dispatch article dives deep into the individual performances that made the weekend memorable. Here are some of the highlights:

Jenna Thompson, the 104‑lb champion, was highlighted for her dominant technique, including a perfect score on “The Wall” in the final bout. The article quotes her coach, Coach David Mendez, who praised her discipline: “Jenna has worked on her takedowns for over a year, and you can see that focus pay off.”

Sarah Kline’s 119‑lb run was also noteworthy. Despite a shaky start early in the season, the Westerville North star rebounded in the last two weeks, posting a 9‑1 record, which the Dispatch described as “an inspiration for the younger athletes.”

Coaching Perspectives and Program Development

The piece takes an insightful look into the coaching philosophies that drive the conference’s success. Coach Mendez, Coach Rebecca Lytle of Franklin Park, and Coach Tom Hayes of Columbus City all shared candid reflections on what it takes to build a competitive girls wrestling program. A key takeaway is the emphasis on conditioning and mental toughness—qualities that the Dispatch article ties directly to the schools’ strong finish.

“We’ve seen a significant uptick in girls enrolling in wrestling, which is great for the sport’s growth,” Lytle said. “Our coaching staff is focused on creating a supportive environment that pushes each athlete to her maximum potential.”

The Dispatch also touches on the administrative support that underpins the program’s expansion. The schools’ athletic directors highlighted new funding for gear and travel, a crucial factor for many athletes who would otherwise have to cover costs out of pocket.

Historical Context and OHSAA Rules

In order to ground the current achievements in context, the article links to several resources. One link takes readers to the OHSAA Girls Wrestling Handbook, which outlines eligibility rules, weight‑class standards, and the competition format. The Dispatch explains how the 2025‑26 season’s schedule aligns with the handbook’s guidelines and how the conference’s top teams will be seeded in the state tournament.

Another link directs readers to the Ohio Girls Wrestling website, which offers historical data on Ohio’s girls wrestling championships. The Dispatch notes that Ohio has only had one national champion since girls wrestling was first introduced in the state (in 2010), underscoring how competitive the sport has become.

Looking Forward

The Dispatch article ends on an optimistic note, projecting a promising outlook for the rest of the season. With the conference teams in strong form, the article predicts that Columbus City and Westerville North will make a deep run at the state tournament, potentially even challenging the dominant teams from the Northeast Conference.

The article also highlights the upcoming “Girls Wrestling Invitational” scheduled for early January, where the Columbus Conference teams will face off against schools from the surrounding region. Coaches are already preparing strategies, and athletes are looking forward to testing themselves against a broader range of styles.

Conclusion

The Dispatch’s coverage of the Columbus Conference girls wrestling matches provides a detailed snapshot of a thriving sport in Ohio’s high schools. From the individual accomplishments of standout wrestlers like Jenna Thompson and Sarah Kline to the strategic insights of coaches and the supportive infrastructure that fuels program growth, the article paints a comprehensive picture of how girls wrestling is evolving into a staple of the Ohio high‑school sports landscape.

With the OHSAA’s continued investment and the growing interest among students, the 2025‑26 season marks a significant milestone for the Columbus Conference—a milestone that will likely reverberate through Ohio’s wrestling community for years to come.