Miranda H. Lewis
Carter County Times
The East Carter High School Wrestling program is rounding out its first year of competition.
Although new to the wrestling community, the Raiders have established success.
The up-and-coming program made a good showing a few weeks ago finishing eleventh in Class A State Dual Championship.
Allen Cooper finished third in Region 8 heavyweight division, qualifying him to participate at Semi-State this weekend.
Not only is wrestling one of the fastest-growing sports for youth participation, but it is also the fastest growing among girls in the United States.
The Raiders are being led here by Marlie Bell, who earned several hard-fought victories to qualify for the Kentucky Girls State Wrestling Tournament on February 4.
Bell made it look easy pinning her way to State Runner-Up (132 weight class) at the event.
With growing popularity and participation, Coach Cory Jones said East Carter is expanding their wrestling programs to the Middle School and Youth level.
“We also started a program at the middle school this past season. We hope to start our youth program next year,” he said.