SHILLINGTON >> The growth of girls wrestling in Pennsylvania has been by leaps and bounds in a year’s time.
That fact was amply demonstrated Tuesday, when Gov. Mifflin hosted a girls invitational tournament that drew more than 125 competitors from more than two dozen programs in the state. And a pair of Pottstown grapplers not only participated, they fared quite well.
Xiyah Robinson and Mia Bumbarger had strong showings in the tourney, a Madison-style format that paired the girls by weight and experience level. Bumbarger went 3-0 on the day with a decision, pin and medical forfeit, and Robinson advanced to a final match against a 2021 state champion.
“It was exciting to have another girls opportunity so close to home,” Pottstown head coach Nick Wade noted. “We had a separate girls tournament as part of the Pottstown Invitational, but this was special as it was a dedicated all girls event.
“Our girls, Xiyah Robinson and Mia Bumbarger, are both returning state medalists. They both wrestled awesome. We hope to continue to grow girls wrestling at Pottstown and the surrounding area.”
Kevin Ochs, head coach of the Mifflin girls team, pointed out the growth of popularity in the girls’ sport.
“It was tremendous to see the number of girls,” he said, noting there were only nine sanctioned teams in Pa. last year. Mifflin’s inaugural tournament had participation from 38 wrestlers representing six schools.
“It’s like a train leaving the station, getting speed up.” Ochs said.
The weight range this year, Ochs noted, ranged from 90 pounds to 220. All 127 contestants got 3-4 bouts.
In further testament to the sport’s popularity locally, two other Berks League schools, Exeter and Brandywine Heights, join Mifflin in organizing girls’ teams.
Gov. Mifflin and Exeter will conduct the first girls dual being held in Berks County. The Mustangs and Eagles are scheduled to wrestle 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, in the intermediate school gym prior to the Exeter at Gov. Mifflin Berks I boys match.
