State Champ: Wrestler Maia Matalon

By
Cougar Staff
 – February 5, 2007Posted in: A1B, Sports

Albany’s first state champion in wrestling Maia MatalonWhile the wrestling team at Albany High has been extremely successful for many years, no Cougar wrestler has risen to the level of state champion.

Until now.

At the California Girls’ Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, January 27, team captain Maia Matalon became the first woman at Albany High, and the first Cougar wrestler ever, to win a state championship. Matalon is the first wrestler since Tyrone Rose, who won second place at the boys’ state tournament, to make it this far. Matalon was seeded second, so she wasn’t expected to win. But her fierce determination and skill, along with the help of her friends, family, and coaches, led her to victory.

When asked about the finals match, Matalon said that it was very scary. All eyes were on her, and the intense match lasted for six minutes, much longer than her first round pin, which lasted only a minute-and-a-half. Although the competition was fierce, she won the match 12-5, beating the girl who was seeded first in the state.

The next step for Matalon is the Girls’ National Tournament, which takes place in Michigan at the end of March.

Regarding Nationals, Matalon said, “I am excited and I hope I will get good matches and see some good wrestling.”

So if you see Matalon in the halls, take a second to congratulate Albany High’s very own state champion.

Come support the rest of the team at the final home meet of the season against Marin Catholic on Tuesday, February 6 at 6:30 p.m.