For CHS Senior, Aria Randall, sparring and grappling became a passion of hers while attending CHS. Randall is the first female wrestler at Columbus High School.
Before Randall came to CHS, she did Brazilian jiu-jitsu for eight years and earned a blue belt. Having a background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu helped her conquer wrestling.
Brazilian jiu jitsu taught Randall how to grapple which made wrestling easier to transition into. Randall was also used to the sparring and wrestling aspect.
Randall became the first female wrestler at CHS when she joined the team her freshman year. She wanted to compete in a sport all four years of high school and end up as team captain.
“Now it’s been four years and I’m the team captain of the men’s and women's varsity wrestling team!” Randall exclaimed.
Randall won five matches at state last year, each in the first period by pin.
Since Randall is a Senior, she is dedicated to leaving behind a legacy. Randall wants to be known as fearless no matter what.
Randall explains she wants people to know that “no matter what I was told, I got on that mat and I wrestled. Even if I lost, I still fought till the end.”
To Randall, she feels like an inspiration being the first female wrestler at Columbus High School.
“I coach little girls at my dojo in BJJ [Brazilian jiu jitsu] and they look up to me,” Randall explains, “it’s really a blessing!”
On Friday, November 19th, Aria and the other female wrestlers will be competing in the Iron Maiden Tournament. After that, the next wrestling meet will be Thursday, December 2nd, against Spencer, Harris County, and Smith Station.