Cape girls’ wrestling competes in Milford
Cape Henlopen High School embarked on a new voyage Dec. 12, as its newly formed all-girls wrestling team competed for the first time at the Girls’ Milford Invitational. The milestone event marked a major step forward not only for the Cape athletic program, but also for the rapidly growing sport of girls’ wrestling.
This season marks the first year Cape has had enough interest to officially roster an all-girls team. Girls’ wrestling continues to be the fastest-growing high school sport in the United States, with participation increasing nationwide as states add all-female teams, sanctioned championships and dedicated tournaments. What was once an opportunity-limited experience where ladies trained alongside and competed primarily against male peers has evolved into a sport where girls now practice with and compete against other girls, as they build programs of their own.
Leading the Vikings is coach Hollyann Wettstein, who wrestled in high school during a time when all-girls teams did not exist in the region. Opportunities to face another female wrestler were rare, making the launch of Cape’s program a meaningful full-circle moment.
Cape entered the Milford Invitational with a practice roster of eight athletes, six of whom competed. The team filled five of the tournament’s 12 weight classes, including two competitors at 185 pounds. The Cape ladies were represented by freshman Mackenzie Mears (120 pounds), freshman Leighton Meck (132 pounds), freshman Delaney Gallagher (138 pounds), senior Kiersten Smith (185 pounds), freshman Kylie Payton (185 pounds) and freshman Helaina Arnold-Decyk (235 pounds).
Competing against 20 teams from Delaware and Maryland, Cape finished 14th overall with 28 team points.
For all of the freshmen except Mears, the tournament marked their first wrestling competition. Despite their inexperience, the athletes showed toughness, composure and determination in a sport that demands both physical and mental strength. A team prayer before competition underscored the bond forming within the group, one that coaches and supporters believe will encourage other girls to join and become part of a growing sisterhood.
Mears led the way for Cape, earning the most points for the team. She pinned her Charter School of Wilmington opponent in 1:06, rebounded from a loss to reach the consolation bracket by defeating her Middletown opponent by a hard-fought 11-6 decision, pinning a St. Georges wrestler in 0:47 and pinning Sussex Tech’s athlete in 2:24. She narrowly missed a third-place finish, losing by one point in a match that nearly went to overtime.
Gallagher earned her first career win with a hard-fought 5-4 decision over Sussex Tech’s Natalie Roch, wrestling the full six minutes. The victory sparked visible emotion as Gallagher celebrated with her teammates afterward. Payton delivered one of the day’s most dramatic moments, securing a late takedown and pin with just two seconds remaining to earn her first win. Arnold-Decyk recorded the first takedown and first pin of her wrestling career, while Smith earned a quick first-round pin and battled hard against opponents in her debut year wrestling at Cape.
While the results tell part of the story, the larger picture is clear: Cape girls’ wrestling has officially arrived. With a foundation built on courage, commitment and camaraderie, the Vikings’ inaugural competition was not just a debut, but also the beginning of something special.
The Cape girls’ wrestling team will take on Sussex Tech at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17, in Georgetown.
