Wright City sophomore Sam Byerley is pursuing a desire to deviate from the normal path and accept a unique challenge. Embracing the chance to be one of the first female wrestlers within the Wright City program, she saw the opportunity to bring awareness to the sport.

Byerley is one of two female wrestlers on this year’s team and just the third in the program’s three-year history. Only a few months into her prep career, she has dropped from the 122-pound weight class to 117, collecting a second-place finish at the Wright City Tournament and third at the St. Clair Tournament. Her interest in the sport began as an eighth grader, when she saw a flyer and inquired about getting involved. Byerley was able to compete in the state tournament, further piquing her interest.

“For me, it’s a goal to show that it’s not just a boys sport at Wright City,” said Byerley.

Q: What’s your favorite part about the sport?

“Looking up to a lot of girls that are at state and seeing that I want to be there. Girls are a lot nicer about the competition and can be friends once the match is finished.”

Q: What made you want to compete this year?

“For me it was getting back into shape, because I hadn’t done anything active in two years sports wise. I was cutting weight just from the training for the season.”

Q: What challenges surround trying to maintain weight limits for the sport?

“I think it’s a challenge mentally, but I think it really teaches you how to maintain your weight without it being a problem. You can also see it can be done healthily, and its finding that motivation to do it by yourself.”

Q: What’s the most difficult part about wrestling?

“Remembering the moves and maintaining self control.”

Q: What are your goals concerning wrestling?

“I want to pull more girls into the program and make it more of a girls sport. I think it would help with people who aren’t involved in anything else and give them a chance to try something new.”

Q: What are your career aspirations?

“I’ve kind of wanted to be a veterinarian for a long time, but there’s a lot of schooling involved.”

Q: Who’s a teacher who had a big impact on you?

“Coach Ross and I have really good relationship this year. He’s definitely pushed me a lot this year to be my best.”

Q: Who has been your biggest influence overall?

“I look up to my parents a lot. I like how healthy their marriage is and how hard they work at their jobs and strive to be a healthy family.”

Q: What’s your favorite thing about attending Wright City schools?

“I like that it’s small, so you get to know everyone better.”

Q: How has COVID impacted your life?

“It is super easy to be lazy with COVID, so you really have to look for that self motivation. Also, we actually didn’t have Thanksgiving or Christmas, and that was really hard.”

Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

“I like the beach, somewhere exotic.”

Favorite Class: Health

Favorite Food: Cheeseburgers

Favorite Restaurant: Cheddars

Favorite TV Show: "Spongebob"

Favorite Movie: "Monsters Inc."

Favorite Song: Fast hype songs

Favorite Genre: Country