CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (ESPN CLARKSVILLE) – The Alliance Wrestling Academy competed at the TNAAU State Championships at the Williamson County Agriculture Center in Franklin, TN this past weekend. This was the very first Girls State Wrestling Championships and The Academy came out on top.
The team of six girls outpaced 29 other teams to claim the top spot of the very first all-girls state tournament.
“Tennessee is committed to the growth of the sport, and The Alliance is leading the way in creating opportunity for girls to get into the sport,” Alliance Coach and father Jeremy Davenport said. “These girls have a love for the sport and it shows in every match and practice. As a parent and coach of both a boy and girl, it means a lot to share my love for the sport with both my son and daughter. Wrestling isn’t just for boys anymore.”
The team was led by New Providence 8th grader, Brette Spink. Spink won the 6th-8th grade 133-139lbs division, with 3 pins without surrendering a single point. Spink who has been wrestling for a year now and competes mainly against boys during the regular season. She was a boy’s state qualifier this year, taking 3rd place in the boys division at the Region tournament. Spink is also an All-American taking 3rd place at the AAU Junior Olympics last year.
“This tournament was the most nerve wracking experience. I am used to wrestling boys, not girls. Everyone wanted to be the very first Tennessee Girls champ, so the competition was fierce. I remained confident and focused on my technique, and that’s how I didn’t get scored on. This was a great experience and reminded me again why I love wrestling so much,” Spink said. “Seeing the smile on my coach’s face after my finals match really made me realize how happy he was and that’s a moment I will never forget. Wrestling and The Academy have brought me so many opportunities and I look forward to wrestling in high school and hopefully college someday.”
Ellie Shires, an Oakland Elementary 2nd grader, placed second in the K-2nd grade 42-48lbs division. Shires is in her first year of wrestling and has had some success this year wrestling with the boys. Shires won a beginner tournament earlier in the year, as the only girl in the bracket.
All girls brought home medals for wrestling in their first ever tournament.
Isabella Lonergan, a 2nd grader from Sango Elementary finished 3rd in the K-2nd grade 53-57lbs division.
Sydnee Stahley, a 3rd grader from East Montgomery Elementary finished 4th in the 3rd-5th grade 69-77lbs division.
Bryleigh Miears, a pre-schooler, finished 4th in the K-2nd 42-49lbs division.
Lauren Davenport a Sycamore Middle School 8th grader, finished 4th in the 6th-8th grade 109-117lbs division.
“We are all very proud of these girls, they all wrestled and competed tough today. This is a testament to the parents, families, and coaches who welcomed these girls into the sport and encourage them every day. Most have sat on the sidelines for years watching their brothers compete, now is their time to shine,” Head Coach Brandon Morris said.
The Alliance Wrestling Academy started offering an all-girls class last summer, led by Morris.