SOSSA girls wrestling: Team founder wins SOSSA again
Myrna Romero took matters into her own hands when it came to representing Notre Dame on the high school wrestling scene.
“I started jiu jitsu when I was three years old and then I decided to create a wrestling team at Notre Dame College. I asked my principal Mr. (Andrew) Boon if we could start a wrestling team because a lot of schools had one and we didn’t. I really wanted to try something that was new and a cool experience as well. That is when I started my wrestling journey,” the Grade 10 student said.
She didn’t think it was a big deal to make a Notre Dame wrestling team a reality for 2023-24 and beyond.
“Mr. Boon wants the best for his students so he was really supportive.”
Last year she won the Southern Ontario Secondary Schools Association title at 57.5 kilograms and placed fifth at the Ontario Federation of Schools Athletic Associations championships.
She won her second straight SOSSA crown in the 57.5-kilogram division Thursday and believes she is a much better wrestler this season.
“I have been successful in a lot of the tournaments I have been in and my background in jiu jitsu has helped me a lot. I have a bit of knowledge.”
She feels the biggest difference in her game this season is dedication.
“I have put in a lot of work and I know how it works now. Last year was kind of a test run and I didn’t really know how wrestling worked. I have a good grasp on wrestling now.”
She is hoping for a strong showing at OFSAA.
“I want to make top three at OFSAA and I think that would be ideal for me and the work that I have put in.”
Wrestling is a family affair for Myrna. Her older brother, Anthony, a professional MMA fighter with a career record of 12-3, is in her corner on the mats.
“He helps me a lot. He takes a lot of pressure off and he knows how the sport works,” she said. “It’s nice to have that with me. It’s more fun to have your brother and it is easier to communicate with him if something is bothering me or if I need something. It’s a great connection that we have.”
Anthony has been impressed with his sister’s development.
“She doesn’t have a wrestling background but she has made huge steps. It is really cool to see her in her second year on the wrestling team.”
He feels the biggest improvement is her comfort on the mat.
“This being her second year, she has experienced SOSSA and OFSAA, the bigger competitions, and she has had some tough matches. That experience coming into this year has helped her a lot.”
He feels the next step in her progression as a wrestler is being comfortable taking risks in tough matches.
“She does really well in these (SOSSA) matches right now but when the pressure is on, that is something she is working on.”
Anthony feels he brings experience to Myrna’s corner.
“I understand what it is like to be in the corner, the stress that comes with it, being fatigued, all that kind of stuff and how to talk to people when they are in that state. Not a lot of people are able to collect information under stress. It’s being able to relate to people and MMA helps with that.”
It’s clear Anthony and Myrna are having a blast together.
“We are always joking around and we know how each other are. We are comfortable and know how to talk to each other,” Anthony said.
Blessed Trinity won the girls title with 180 points followed by Centennial (99), Eden (95), Ancaster (67) and West Niagara (36).
Blessed Trinity also won the overall title with 390 points followed by Ancaster (288), West Niagara (257), Centennial (185) and Eden (130)
Following are the top three girl finishers from the SOSSA meet. The top two advance to OFSAA March 4-5 in Kitchener.
44 kilograms: 1. Lily Taras, Lakeshore: 2. Sahira Sharman, BT; 3. Arianna Romano, Centennial.
47.5 kilograms: Chloe Guimond-Hayward, Ancaster; 2. Maddie Cole, West Niagara; 3. Keira Isram, Ancaster.
51 kilograms: 1. Bianca Romano, Centennial; 12. Tobie Boyd, Centennial.
54 kilograms: 1. Ryleigh Schweitzer, BT; 2. Parker Van Krimpen, Centennial; 3. Abby Lavigne, BT.
57.5 kilograms: 1. Myrna Romero, Notre Dame; 2. Jadyn Young, BT; 3. Laine Muldowney, West Niagara.
61 kilograms: 1. Daria Dumitrescu, BT.
64 kilograms: 1. Zoya Dhillon, St. Mike’s; 2. Heya Feng, Ancaster; 3. Nary VanBlaricum, Eden.
72 kilograms: 1. Charlotte Bowslaugh, Eden; 2. Maya Hunt, BT; 3. Anna Chemecky, Myer.
77 kilograms: 1. Jorga Lepp, Eden; 2. Oyin Adebayo, Centennial; 3. Brooklyn VanEvery, Eden.
83 kilograms: 1. Melina Pomroy, BT.
89 kilograms: 1. Chelsea Haynes, BT.
115-plus kilograms: 1. Layla Higgs, Stamford.
