Girls wrestling gets a boost

Female high school wrestlers in New Mexico have something to celebrate this month. After years of competing with their male peers — the case in many states — they have finally achieved the critical mass needed to convince the New Mexico Activities Association to sanction girls wrestling as a sport. According to the June 14 Journal, girls still may compete in boys tournaments during regular season but will have a girls division postseason.

It’s an exciting development, part of a national trend helped along by athletes like Jennesis Martinez. The recent graduate of Manzano High is a two-time state champion wrestler and the Journal’s metro female Athlete of the Year. She plans to wrestle at Colorado Mesa University this fall.

Martinez and other female wrestlers have not only helped girls earn their place in the sport, but also have helped elevate the best parts for future generations of female athletes.

Wrestling is about technical ability and a level of rugged individualism — wrestlers succeed or fail on their own, independent of their team. But more than technique or selfreliance, wrestling at its core comes down to a fighter’s heart. It’s about grit and innate bravery that can’t be taught.

It’s why wrestling — like all combat sports — can produce such great dramas. Consider Andy Ruiz Jr., the heavyweight who knocked out superstar Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden June 1.

That’s a fighter’s spirit. And it’s not unique to one gender. Hopefully, the momentum of NMAA’s recent decision will keep building and spur girls with a fighter’s heart to the mat.