Brianna Staebler learns about herself, life through wrestling
By Todd Mishler
Copy Editor
Brianna Staebler was like most kids, struggling to figure out who she was and where she belonged in this big world.
Shunned by some, the grade schooler found her motivation and salvation in an unlikely environment, not to mention one dominated by boys.
“I was bullied in grade school … it was more verbally being bullied,” she said. “It was a lot of social isolation. Kids didn’t know me and didn’t know how to talk to me. I wanted to make friends.
“Wrestling really helped me gain strength, but more importantly, confidence. It helped me reach out to kids from other schools. And it really developed who I am today.”
That’s an understatement. She has grown tremendously physically, personally and socially. And definitely athletically.
She finished with a 24-6 record as a freshman for the Whitewater High School junior varsity wrestling team last year, facing almost all males.
That’s saying something considering Brianna doesn’t turn 16 until Feb. 22. She is ranked in the top three in Cadets (freshmen and sophomores) and top 10 in Juniors (grades 9-12) in USA Wrestling circles.
Last weekend, Staebler became the first female to wrestle at the varsity level for the Whippets.
Read more about Staebler’s journey in an extensive feature story in the Jan. 31 Whitewater Register.
