Jessica Smith breaks new ground

The Fitch female wrestler believes she always has a chance to win.
By ERIC HAMILTON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
AUSTINTOWN -- Fitch High's Jessica Smith probably woke up this morning with a black eye and a few other bumps and bruises, but she won't mind. It's nothing a little bit of eye shadow can't hide.
Smith, a freshman, became the first female wrestler from Fitch to compete in the Josh Hephner Memorial Tournament when she wrestled three matches Friday. And while she lost all three bouts at 145 pounds, she earned the respect of her male opponents.
"I was angry because he won, but I didn't give up a pin," said Smith, who has been wrestling since fifth grade. "I've won some varsity matches this year and I love the glory you get at the end. I'm more competitive than they think I would be.
Hard worker
"My dad wrestled and my brother wrestled and I like the sport. The boys treat me like a sister and don't treat me different. When I'm not wrestling, I'm a girlie-girl and wear makeup and everything. But when I'm on the mat, I always have a chance to win if I work hard."
Smith competes in the United States Girls Wrestling Association in the spring and summer, wrestling girls from around the country. She's won two national titles and a third-place finish. She's ranked No. 6 in the country among high school female wrestlers. Her goal is to make it to the Olympics someday.
"Honestly, at first I was not thrilled with the idea and thought it may be an issue," said Fitch coach Brett Powell. "But she won me over after going through our conditioning program. She proved she wanted to be there and competed with the boys in the room.
Could be future starter
"She's a work in progress, but she's going to be a good wrestler. She moves fluidly and has a good sense of where she is on the mat. She has a winning record in the JV matches and has won some varsity matches. In a year or two, she'll be in my starting lineup somewhere."
Smith knows her opponents might not be thrilled about wrestling her, but it doesn't bother her in the least. Her goal is to win and prove her mettle in a sport dominated by males. And when her opponents talk trash before the match and she emerges victorious, she has a reply ready.
"I say, 'Well, you didn't get beat by a girl -- you got beat by a wrestler.' "