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Bracewell runner-up in S.C. girls wrestling ROBERT HOWEY
CAROLINA GATEWAY Feb. 10, 2021
rhowey@thelancasternews.com
CLOVER – Jaden Bracewell is celebrating another state medal. An Indian Land High School sophomore wrestler, she earned a state runner-up finish and silver medal in the girls state championship tournament during the Carolina Invitational at Clover High School on Saturday, Jan. 30. Bracewell captured the girls’ wrestling junior varsity state championship last season at the Carolina Invitational. A f te r winning the JV gold Bracewell medal, Bracewell returned to the girls varsity state tournament Jan. 30, where she finished as the state runner-up in the 104-pound weight class. Bracewell is in her second season on the Indian Land wrestling team. “That’s a great achievement for her,” ILHS coach Scot Davis said. “She’s our lone girl wrestler on our team and she works hard, so it was great for her to have this opportunity.” ILHS assistant coach Troy Yegge said he was elated for Bracewell. “Jaden puts in the work and is always working to get better. She’s looking to gain an edge,” Yegge said. “She’s our only girl, but does a great job of representing our squad when she com-
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ABOVE: Indian Land High School sophomore wrestler Jaden Bracewell, top, goes for a pin during the girls’ state wrestling tournament at the Carolina Invitational at Clover High School on Jan. 30. LEFT: Bracewlll battles an opponent in the state mat meet. Bracewell finished as the state runner-up in the 104-pound weight division.
petes in the girls tournament.” Bracewell, in the tournament, drew a first-round bye and followed with a pin before falling in the title round on a pin. “I wish I could have won and hold the title, but it was tougher this year,” she said. “I have the bruises and a few cuts to show for it. “That was the difference this year,” Bracewell said. “There were more girls this year, something like 72 overall. “Last year in my bracket, there were three girls, but this year five,” she said. “It’s good to see girls wrestling growing. I love to compete.” Since the ILHS varsity was competing in a Region III-AAAA home tri-match Saturday, the Warriors coaches were involved with that contest, but Bracewell had club coach Brendan
Lutz accompanying her. “I was thankful to have him in my corner,” Bracewell said. “It was good that he stepped up to support me.” Davis noted Bracewell’s absence in the varsity match as the Warriors had to forfeit at 106 in each match. “She works hard and deserved this opportunity to compete in the girls tournament. We’re happy for her achievement and we will also be glad to have her back with the varsity,” he said. Davis added he’s happy to have Bracewell compete. “The girls state tournament is good for the sport,” he said. “This is a chance to for the sport of wrestling to grow.” Bracwell has a similar view. “I’m hoping other girls will get interested in wrestling,” she said.