The first official tournament for girls wrestling in the Kansas City area was held on Saturday, Nov. 24 at Oak Park High School in Kansas City North.

Platte County and Park Hill South both had wrestlers compete in the event.

The Pirates had a pair of first-place finishers on the day and all four that competed finished no lower than third place.

“They had been in the same practice with the boys, side by side, training with them,” Platte County coach Reggie Burress said of the girls program, which became a MSHSAA sanctioned sport this season with 825 certified wrestlers statewide. “They had a really good weekend. I’m proud of their effort. It is something we can build on.”

Submitted photo
The Platte County girls wrestling team had two first-place finsihers at the Oak Park JV Invitational on Saturday, Nov. 24 in Kansas City North. Front row, from left, Avery Krahenbill and Natalie Crain. Second row, from left, Josie Smart, KayLyn Munn and Serina Bertram.

Each of the girls that wrestled for Platte County picked up at least one victory.

Sarina Bertram and Avery Krahenbill both went 2-0 to take first place in their respective weight classes.

Bertram won by a pin and a decision, while Krahenbill — who wrestled in youth — pinned both of her foes.

Natalie Crain was second and Josie Smart — the little sister of former Platte County state champion Sage Smart — took third. The two have been managers for the boys wrestling team.

In a head-to-head match, Crain pinned Smart for a win.

The only loss for Crain was by pin against Staley’s Emily Colling.

Park Hill South’s Finley Bickford posted a 2-1 record and was second in her weight class. Bickford had two pins and lost by decision to Kearney’s Sam Kaster, who took first.

Mystyque Anderson had a fifth-place finish for the Panthers, competing in four matches.

The Platte County girls return to action on Thursday, Dec. 6 in Harrisonville in a girls scramble.