As four wrestlers entered the Berry Center for the wrestling state championship, they marveled at its size that was even bigger than some national arenas.

Not overwhelmed by the experience, senior Mikayla Pool placed 5th in her weight class while becoming the first girl on the wrestling team to place at the state wrestling championship.

“At state it was amazing, it was my second year to experience it in a row,” Pool said.

Pool won her first match and lost her second before winning her third and fourth matches. That marked the end of her high school state journey while making RHS history.

“Last year it was good, but this year, it was way better because three of our girls qualified for state and four of us went,” Pool said.

Pool’s second day of wrestling was the most difficult day for her during the state championship.

“I woke up sore and worn out, but I knew I had to keep going, so I did,” Pool said.

The other wrestlers who went to the championship were senior Ines Huerta, freshman Akeelah Moore and sophomore Vanessa Egorah.

“I really enjoyed the journey, and the whole event inspires me to do better,” Egorah said. “I couldn’t have done it without the help of my team- mates and people that support me.”

Moore competed in national tournaments and qualified for the state competition this year. After winning her first match, she sprained her knee during the second match and had to forfeit the third match, cheering on Pool instead of wrestling.

“I really didn’t want to throw my shot at placing away, but I knew it was the smart thing to do,” Moore said. “The second day, I got to watch Mikayla place 5th.”

Huerta felt proud of her hard work and of her teammates.

“I would always look up and admire someone that was at that level, and when I got there I realized that was me and at that moment I couldn’t be more proud of myself,” Huerta said.