The Oviedo high school girl wrestling team are deep into their wrestling season and have already achieved a lot of success. The team placed first in multiple tournaments, with multiple girls placing first in those tournaments. The team traveled to Poinciana High School, to compete in the War Eagle Classic tournament. This tournament has provided them with valuable experience and tough competition, both of which will be crucial as they prepare for states and regionals.
During this tournament, the girls scored a total of 63.5 points and had a total of four wrestlers place first, and two wrestlers place second. Sophomore wrestler Haylee Richards, placed first in the 170 weight class, with a score of 15.5. In her first match, she pinned her opponent from Horizon high school, and continued this momentum by going 3-0 overall on the day. She enjoyed wrestling in the tournament and attributed her success to the tough conditioning she endured in practice.
“I thought it was a really tough tournament, but I managed to do really well on it,” said Richards. “I condition a lot which helps because it allows you to manage your weight and breath, which helps with my wrestling.”

Richards has been one of Oviedo’s best wrestlers, as she has placed first in many of her tournaments. Wrestling is a very physical high school sport and requires a lot of physical and mental toughness. In order to achieve success, Richards has learned how to take care of her body, so that she can be at the top of her game.
“I’ve been drinking a lot of water, eating well, and not eating out,” said Richards. “Vitamin water is very important, and I have to make sure I prepare my body for every match I play in.”
Sophomore wrestler Claudia La Costa Perez, placed first in the 125 weight class and scored the most points on the team. Perez competed in five matches, going undefeated on the day. She pinned every opponent she faced, ending the day with a total of 26 points. This is Perez’s first year as a wrestler, and has already shown great potential as a wrestler. She’s learned a lot, and has grown to control her wild play style of wrestling.
“I’ve had a really good season, considering that this is only my first year wrestling,” said Perez. “I have to learn to not do stupid things, and learn from my mistakes.”
Sophomore wrestler Jayden Brouse placed second in her weight class, winning her only match. This match was tough and grueling where she was behind for the majority. She was able to make an impressive comeback, gaining a pin with only 19 seconds left in her match. Brouse is coming off an ankle injury that sidelined her for multiple weeks. During her time off, she studied film, allowing her to improve her play after a long time off.
“ I’ve been wrestling really well, considering that I’m coming back from an injury,” said Brouse. “My record has been getting better, and I’ve been rewatching my wrestling matches so I don’t repeat mistakes.”
This tournament gave the team yet another first place finish overall, but was a close one, as they only won by 5 points.The team is having a successful year, but improvements are expected if they want to compete against the best of the best. With continued focus on refining their strategies and enhancing individual performances, they are poised to reach even greater heights as the season progresses.
Joshua Sabbia • Feb 4, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Wow I really enjoyed the structure of the story and it was written very well highlighting how the girl wrestlers did this tournament.