Chilson Claims Wellsboro's First Girls Wrestling District Championship

By: Ed Weaver  /  February 18, 2024  /  Photo: Bryce Bitner

Senior Olivia Chilson became Wellsboro's first-ever Girls Wrestling District IV champion by winning her weight class at Williamsport on Saturday, February 17.

“I’m so proud of Olivia," said head coach Bryce Bitner. "She has been battling a lot of challenges and today she put those challenges aside and fought. She showed toughness and grit on her way to claiming the title, and by pinning her way through."

Chilson started the day with a 1:58 pin against Northeast Bradford's Cora Franklin in the quarterfinals, then pinned Selinsgrove's Elizabeth Varner in 2:26 in the semi-finals, then scored a 54 second pin against Sugar Valley's Emma Downing in the finals.

"It's incredible to think we just started a girls program in December and now Wellsboro has a District title winner," continued Bitner. "I'm so grateful for the hard work and dedication from my whole coaching staff to help coach these girls and help them improve. Our females have improved tremendously throughout the year and I’m very excited for the future."

Also competing on the day were junior Megan Robbins and sophomore Alyssa Chilson. Robbins went 0-2 on the day, suffering a first round pin (2:42) to Selinsgrove's Quinn Smith and a 33 second pin to Midd-West's Neveah Fegley.

Alyssa Chilson went 2-2, picking up a 50 second pin fall over Shikellamy's Nataly Suazo in the first round before falling to Hughesville's Abbigale Bowman in 3:09 in the quarterfinals. She bounced back with a 1:36 pin fall over Benton's Alyssa Posey in the consolation round before falling to Athens' Joyce Clink in 1:19 in the 3rd consolation round.

“While Megan and Alyssa fell short of moving on, they both fought extremely hard, and improved a lot. I can’' express how proud I am of our female wrestlers and their hard work throughout the year," concluded Bitner.

Olivia moves onto the PIAA Regional Tournament in Milton on Saturday, March 2.