Battle hosts largest girls wrestling tournament in Missouri for second straight year

More than 500 girls from nearly 70 high schools competed in the Wonder Woman Tournament this weekend.

It is the second year Battle put on the event, and the number of girls competing increased from about 200 last year.

Battle wrestler Amara Reichert said, "It's amazing, because last year was the first year, and I got to be a part of it, so just being a part of it this year and having almost three times as many is amazing. It's amazing seeing everyone come out to support each other."

The two-day event ends with championship rounds on Saturday.

MSHSAA sanctioned girls wrestling at the high school level for the first time in 2018-19. Battle wrestling coach Mike Wakim knew he wanted to put on a girls tournament to help grow the sport in Missouri.

Wakim said, "To be able to put on a tournament that I know is going to be special is awesome, because these girls will talk about this tournament for the rest of their lives."