February 29 through March 2, four strong members of the Oakdale wrestling team participated in the 2024 MPSSAA (Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association) Wrestling State Championships. Seniors Charvi Bethu, Cooper Vanscoyoc, Matthew Sandy, and junior Bella Signor qualified for the championship after placing in MPSSAA’s regionals on the weekend of February 23rd–24th. It has taken a lot of hard work and a lot of extra practice, but these four individuals have been shining on the mat.

Every season after the county championship, which normally takes place in mid-February, the qualified individuals get ready for postseason tournaments, such as regionals and States.  Signor, who is also a first-year wrestler for Oakdale, placed first at counties, second at regionals, and qualified for States. 

“I think I learned a lot about wrestling and myself… IIt was a lot to handle, definitely staying strong mentally as much as physically. Not giving up, whether it’s in a match or honestly, just anything,” Signor shares of her experience. 

Even with the little time that she has spent with the sport, Signor has realized how much mental and physical strength it takes to be a wrestler.

When it came to the postseason, Signor explained how she was excited to be a part of the team; however, it isn’t always fun. “You’ve practiced everything 100 times over and conditioned, so just being in it mentally is tough,” she says.

As the season comes to an end, the postseason members still have to stay in shape and stay determined to push through the last few weeks of their season.

The biggest goal of every wrestler’s career is to make it to the States. This is a tournament with the best wrestlers. Vanscoyoc and Sandy have both experienced similar high school seasons. 

Last season, Vanscoyoc was able to take part in the State championship at 126 lbs and take home the State championship. He came in this year with a similar goal in his current weight class of 132 lbs. Throughout the season, he has put in a lot of effort to make it to where he is now. Vanscoyoc is one of the only two-time Maryland State champs for Oakdale.

As a team, Oakdale is hoping to be able to qualify for team state duals in upcoming years and is hoping to have many more State champs. Congratulations to our bears who have come this far!