SUGAR VALLEY RURAL CHARTER SCHOOL NEWS 570-725-7822 • www. svrcs. org
Lady Phoenix 2nd Annual Christmas Classic
On December 13th, SVRCS’ s Lady Phoenix wrestling team hosted the 2nd Annual Christmas Classic Tournament. With eleven teams in attendance, the day was packed with outstanding showmanship, talent, and camaraderie.
Schools represented with SV are Central Mountain, Bellefonte, Jersey Shore, Southern Huntington, Shamokin, Wellsboro, Bald Eagle Area, Bellwood Antis, Benton, and Mechanicsburg. Southern Huntington took home the 1st place team trophy, with Central Mountain placing 2nd, followed by Jersey Shore in 3rd. An additional award was voted on by coaches for Outstanding Wrestler and awarded to Addison Tice of BEA.
Girls wrestling became a sanctioned PIAA sport in the 2023-2024 season. There were over 1900 girls participating and over 180 teams that year. Over the last two years, the participation has increased to 280 schools, nearly doubling the number of girl wrestlers. Girls wrestling has now become the fastest growing sport in the country, with Pennsylvania being one of 45 states holding a state championship tournament.
SVRCS embarked on this new voyage at the first opportunity, creating a team of six in the winter of 2023. Today’ s team roster has seven Lady Phoenix, consisting of two juniors, one sophomore and four freshmen all at different levels of experience. Head Coach Jason Bilbay and Assistant Coach Tanya Miller Mitchell have seen the dynamics of the team find its way over the last few years and continue to encourage the girls to work their hardest, while becoming a part of a growing sisterhood.
SVRCS would like to thank Athletic Director Tyler Koser for organizing another successful event. A wrestling tournament this early in the season is a great way for wrestlers to get familiar with their opponents in the area.
Wrestling has always been a huge part of the community. We are excited to see the elementary, junior high, and high school programs grow and continue to thrive.
8“ Good News”-- January-- www. bearcountrygoodnews. com