BY COURTNEY WINKLER, M.A.T.
Adjunct English Instructor
Contributing Writer
Proud of the fact Women’s Wrestling is in its first year at McKendree University under the leadership of Coach Sam Schmitz, I knew I wanted to introduce the two female wrestlers, Leila Vasquez and Olivia Seppinni, in my English 111 class to my two Girl Scout troops.
Exposing our Brownies and Daisies to women of empowerment is high on the priority list for my co-leader, Sarah Bohnenstiehl, and myself; for, girls can do anything.
Unfortunately, on the day scheduled for the two wrestlers to teach us some wrestling moves, Seppinni broke her arm while in practice. So, Vasquez was in charge of instructing roughly 20+ girls. Of course, my two daughters were on cloud nine being able to talk with Vasquez, “an actual wrestler,” on the way to the Girl Scout meeting and pretty much monopolized her time. Upon arriving at the meeting, the girls outfitted her in a crown (as she was guest of honor) for our Thanksgiving feast. Come to find out, though, she was attempting to make weight, so was unable to gorge with us at the time.
Once adequate protein and carbs had been ingested by the kindergartners and second graders, Vasquez went to work. The Girl Scouts learned how to engage in a proper stance, how to grab their opponents’ opposite knees, and how to adjust their opponents’ shoulders for proper domination.
Vasquez had the honor of holding the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance and then joined us in Little Sally Walker and the Circle Hug for our close to the evening.
Perhaps, a wrestling workshop or camp for young girls will be in the future for these Girl Scouts.
On my honor, I will try . . . to make it happen.
