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Carly's day on the mat
Most female wrestlers are out to prove that they belong on the mat.
Carly Day is no different.
Last year, a former RCHS wrestler told Day that "women belong in the kitchen." It was all the motivation that the 119-pound junior wrestler needed.
"There was a guy who kept saying that women don't belong in sports, they belong in the kitchen, and I thought, 'I'll show you,'" Day said. "I've dealt with boys and their crap all my life. I knew I could do it. I knew I could make the team."
Day came up with the idea to try out for the wrestling team a few months ago. She wanted to get in better shape for track season, and had always heard that wrestling is the best condition for any athlete. She'd tried basketball in previous years, but needed a new challenge this season.
"Track is my main sport, but I'm really starting to like wrestling," Day said. "I'll definitely be back next season."
Day has found that some guys take her lightly because she's a girl, and that others want to make sure that a female doesn't get any crazy ideas about thinking that they belong on the mat.
"You never know the reaction you'll get when you step out on the mat," Day said. "Some guys will hold back on you, and then other guys will take it out on you for being out on the mat. Some guys act like they don't want to hurt you, and some act like they want to kill you for being out there."
Day is one of just six varsity wrestlers at Rappahannock County this season. Although she's only 3-13 on the year, Day's record is quite deceiving. Not only is she facing stronger male opponents, but she's also wrestling in a heavier weight class than she should be. Day weighs 109 pounds, but because Cody Casey occupies the 112-pound slot, Day must wrestle in the 119-pound division.
"Ten pounds is a lot of weight to give up in the lower weight classes," RCHS first-year coach Patrick Stroup said. "That's almost 10 percent of her body weight that she's giving up. We're shooting to get her down to 103 pounds. If she can get to 103, she could be fighting for a regional spot."
But boys better not be fooled by her long dark hair, pretty eyes, and cute smile, or Day will flatten them.
"She's really aggressive," Cody Casey said. "She's not afraid of anyone. I remember one time this year, a guy came out and danced around, and Carly put him on his back and pinned him in the first round. She's better than her record shows. If she stays with it, she's going to be an awesome wrestler."
Casey isn't the only one who thinks Day is loaded with potential.
"She's one of the spunkiest wrestlers out here," Coach Stroup said. "If she keeps working the wins will come. Carly's got the potential to do very well."
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