IHS teen brings thoughtful power to the gym: Fishermen fifth at home tournament
Published 2:40 pm Sunday, February 2, 2025
- The Beach Brawl tournament in Ilwaco on Saturday began with warm applause for a spirited rendition of the National Anthem performed by Serena Kuhn, in her second year as an assistant coach for the Ilwaco girls program. Kuhn is a 2020 Ilwaco graduate who qualified for that year’s state competition with an undefeated season record.
The empowering quality of girls wrestling is thriving, embodied in a teenager whose smile on the medal podium lit up the Ilwaco gymnasium.
Liylla Carlile was the highest-placing finisher among IHS girls at the Beach Brawl tournament Saturday. The sophomore placed third in the 105-pound division, earning points that, added to teammates’ successes, placed Ilwaco fifth among 11 schools.
“It’s about getting better and having a better connection to myself,” she said, “and really being able to push through the mental battle of ‘not being good enough’ and really striving to be the best version of yourself.”
While Carlile is new to wrestling, her family isn’t: her father is Jerry Matzen, a coach who lives and breathes wrestling, inspiring peninsula youth programs.
‘It’s about getting better and having a better connection to myself.’
Liylla Carlile, Ilwaco wrestler
“My dad wanted me to do it, so I finally did it,” Carlile smiled in a quiet moment as she prepared for Saturday’s action. “So I dived in. It is not what I expected. I have enjoyed it — I have won two matches, so far.”
She added another win to that season tally in a division won by Analynn Bester of Life Christian Academy, with Kaitlyn Ganzel and Aspen Cooper of Raymond-South Bend also placing.
Another IHS sophomore, Ophelia Wise, experienced the highs and lows of athletic competition in the space of seven hours. In a morning match, she efficiently pinned Tommie Courser of Castle Rock and enjoyed a moment as the official raised her hand in victory.
She then lost to eventual 115-pound champion Makenna Kelpman of Life Christian before bouncing back to pin Lily Sneed of Kalama. More than six hours after she had begun her campaign, she took to the mat in the consolation final for third and fourth place, but left in tears after being defeated by Krista Bozley, a senior from Neah-Kah-Nie.
All but one of the IHS girls are sophomores. Kaylee Anderson at 115 and Dalilah Leibham at 120 had losses. The lone senior, Keowah Iyall, enjoyed a win against Courser in the 115 division. She was applauded at a recognition ceremony ahead of the matches.
The Ilwaco team, which was formed last season, is coached by Frank Womack, who is assisted by Serena Kuhn, a 2020 graduate, and new coach Kali Hood. Enthusiastic manager is Lyla Inskeep, who wrestled last year. Kuhn’s additional contribution to the day included an unaccompanied rendition of the National Anthem, which earned warm applause.
For the record, the girls’ team trophy was won by Castle Rock. Placings: 2. Life Christian Academy; 3. Woodland; 4. Warrenton; 5. Ilwaco; 6. Raymond-South Bend; 7. Neah-Kah-Nie; 8. (tie) Ocosta and Onalaska; 10. Naselle; 11. Pe Ell.
• More photos online at www.chinookobserver.com.
