On October 28th, three BTSPVD athletes – Edith Moore, Anjelica Guarcas, and Maricruz Flores – competed in the prestigious Super 32 Challenge in Greensboro, NC under the guidance of new Women’s Program Director, Jacque Davis. This was the longest trip that any of the girls had ever made to compete and the most competitive tournament that they participated in to date.
Travel began on Friday, October 26th when Coach Davis and the girls departed Providence to meet BTS New York athletes at the facility where the New York RTC (including Olympic Champion Helen Maroulis!) holds its practices. The girls had a joint workout with the BTSNY team which was the first collaborative effort between our two programs!
On Saturday travel continued as they drove to the venue in North Carolina for weigh ins. As soon as weigh ins were done, they had to dinner with featured guest Melissa Simmons, a University National Champion, Collegiate National Champion, and current Director of Operations for NC State. They also met the entire Flo Wrestling staff as well as former US National Team Member and current Bellator fighter Deron Winn!
Sunday was the day of competition. Coach Davis had this to say of the tournament: “This event was stacked from top to bottom in each weight class with World Team members, Pan Am Team members, National Team members, and Fargo AA. Our girls got their first real taste of an elite tournament and although they did not place, they showed true growth from a month ago when they first walked in for the season. They were in each other’s corners cheering for each other and taking videos, they were warming each other up, checking brackets for each other, taking notes on what they wanted to improve on. They were even taking the time to meet college coaches and get business cards!”
After the tournament, the team departed for Ferrum, VA where they visited with the Ferrum College Women’s Wrestling Team. They spent the night and ended the trip on Monday with a tour of the school and Q&A with Head Coach Jess Medina, a 2x U.S. World Team Member and 3x U.S. National Team Member.
Some quotes from the athletes:
“I really love that I got this amazing opportunity. Honestly, first seeing a tournament like Super 32 made me a bit overwhelmed; I have never been to a place that huge. Even though I had some trials along the way, I really grew as a wrestler. I can’t wait to grow our women’s wrestling program and turn my dreams into reality!” – Edith Moore, 10th grade, Classical High School
“This was my first far away trip with BTS. I met new people who have the same desire and passion for the sport I love and I never thought it would happen, but now we have long-lasting friendships. The four days were so eventful and filled with laughter. It was just amazing.” – Anjelica Guarcas, 8th grade, Del Sesto Middle School
“I had an amazing time meeting and building relationships with wrestlers and coaches from different states. When I first entered into the Super 32 tournament I was shocked by how many people were watching and how much competition there was. I was nervous and even though I am still learning freestyle and was challenged with new circumstances, it made me want to work harder and learn more.” – Maricruz Flores, 10th grade, Hope High School