On December 19th, athletic history was made at Hempfield High School as the girls wrestling team (HGW) hosted students from J.P. McCaskey High School in their first ever dual match. Although the Black Knights fell to the Tornados 17-52, it was clear that there would be massive excitement and positivity around the girls wrestling team. Few could have predicted the trajectory of the season, one that would ultimately lead to three appearances in the state tournament by Hempfield wrestlers, a remarkable feat for such a new program.
Girls wrestling is not just a new addition to Hempfield Athletics; it was officially approved as a sanctioned high school varsity sport by the PIAA on May 17th, 2023. In the current 2023-2024 season, 180 schools in the PIAA have established girls wrestling teams, and more are expected in the coming years.
Throughout the Hempfield season, HGW competed in league dual matches against McCaskey, Penn Manor, and Warwick as well as in numerous state-wide tournaments. Within these appearances, Hempfield proved to be tough competition as sixteen different wrestlers made an appearance on the podium over the course of the season. It was clear that the positive environment of the team played a driving role in HGW success. “The atmosphere of the team was so welcoming and friendly,” says wrestler Cleona O’Brien. “Win or lose, everyone was always supporting each other and the team always came before anything”.
During a strong performance in the PIAA District 3 championship, four of the five members representing Hempfield earned medals, including Lucy Dehoff, Cleona O’Brien, Clementine O’Brien, and Hattie Mack. As if the HGW success had not been evident enough, Cleona, Clementine, and Hattie were all invited to compete in the first-ever state tournament in Hershey. Held from March 7th to March 10th, the tournament showcased girls wrestling talents from all over Pennsylvania. The Hempfield girls put up an impressive fight, but Hattie Mack was the sole medaler, placing 8th in her weight class. “I just couldn’t believe it,” Mack emphasizes. “At the beginning of the season I didn’t think I would even make it to states, let alone medal there”.
Although it was her first year participating as a wrestler, Hattie Mack is not a stranger to the wrestling world. Her older brother, Seamus, is a three-time state medalist. This season, these Hempfield siblings made Lancaster-Lebanon league wrestling history as the first brother and sister duo to win league titles within the same season. Both Seamus and Hattie also went on to reach a podium position in the state tournament, contributing even further to this year’s wrestling success.
For Hempfield, there are hopes for team expansion and continued development for the future. Anyone, experienced or inexperienced, is encouraged to try the sport. “You might find that you really like it. We only had around five girls [out of the 20 total] with experience and everyone did amazing. I am looking forward to the future of Hempfield girls wrestling,” remarks O’Brien. As the program continues to grow in the coming years, the Hempfield community is encouraged to continue to support the girls wrestling team and this brand-new opportunity for girls to make their mark in high school athletics.
