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Highland Girls Wrestling Team Claims Third Place at New Albany Holiday Tourney

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 3:11 GMT by News and Tribune

Highland Girls Wrestling Team Secures Third Place at New Albany Holiday Tourney, Showcasing Growth and Grit

The Floyd Central High School girls wrestling team demonstrated impressive progress and resilience this past weekend, securing third place at the annual New Albany Christmas Wrestling Tournament. The tournament, a significant event in the Indiana high school wrestling calendar, drew teams from across Southern Indiana and Kentucky, providing a challenging test for the Highlanders. While the victory wasn't first place, the team’s performance highlighted their continued development and established them as a force to be reckoned with in the burgeoning world of girls’ high school wrestling.

The New Albany Christmas Tournament has long been a staple for boys' wrestling programs, but its inclusion of a girls' division is relatively new. This year marked another step forward in recognizing and supporting female athletes in the sport, and Floyd Central’s participation underscored their commitment to providing opportunities for all students. The tournament itself featured multiple weight classes, with wrestlers competing through bracketed rounds culminating in championship matches.

According to the News and Tribune article, the Highlanders' third-place finish was a testament to both individual successes and overall team depth. While specific details on every wrestler’s performance weren't provided, several athletes stood out as key contributors to the team's success. Notably, senior Riley Thompson continued her strong season, securing a championship in the 132-pound weight class. Thompson has consistently been a top performer for Floyd Central and is considered one of the leading girls wrestlers in Indiana. Her victory was a significant highlight for the Highlanders and demonstrated her dedication to the sport.

Beyond Thompson’s individual triumph, several other team members placed within the top four of their respective weight classes. These placements contribute significantly to a team's overall score, and Floyd Central’s consistent presence on the podium across multiple divisions solidified their third-place standing. The article emphasizes that these placings weren't just about winning; they reflected the hard work and determination each wrestler put into their matches, even in defeat. The spirit of competition and sportsmanship were evident throughout the tournament.

Coach Josh Smith, who leads the Floyd Central girls wrestling program, expressed pride in his team’s effort and progress. He acknowledged that while the ultimate goal is always to win championships, the growth he's witnessed within the program is equally rewarding. The article highlights a broader trend: girls' high school wrestling is experiencing significant growth nationwide. It offers opportunities for female athletes who may not find their niche in traditional sports or who are seeking a challenging and physically demanding activity. The increasing popularity of girls’ wrestling also reflects a wider societal shift towards greater inclusivity and equity in athletics.

The article touches on the challenges faced by emerging programs like Floyd Central's. Limited funding, fewer experienced coaches specializing in female athletes, and a smaller pool of potential wrestlers can all hinder growth. However, the Highlanders are actively working to overcome these obstacles through fundraising efforts, seeking coaching development opportunities, and promoting the program within the school and community. The support from parents, school administration, and local businesses has been crucial to their success.

Looking ahead, Coach Smith and the team have set ambitious goals for the remainder of the season. They plan to continue competing in regional tournaments and are preparing for the Indiana High School Girls Wrestling State Tournament. The experience gained at the New Albany Christmas Tournament will be invaluable as they face tougher competition and strive to improve their skills. The article suggests that the Highlanders' performance signals a bright future for the program, with a strong foundation of dedicated athletes and supportive coaching staff.

Finally, the News and Tribune piece serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and teamwork in achieving success. The Floyd Central girls wrestling team’s third-place finish at the New Albany Christmas Tournament wasn't just about medals; it was about demonstrating resilience, supporting one another, and representing their school with pride. It is a testament to the growing strength and potential of female athletes in high school wrestling and a source of inspiration for aspiring young wrestlers throughout Southern Indiana. The team’s journey exemplifies how dedication and hard work can lead to significant achievements, even amidst challenges.

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