Shenandoah’s Layken Lively Triumphs at Sectionals
Layken Lively, right, with Coach Rossiter, left, following sectionals victory
by Justin Carpenter
On a Sunday where determination met destiny, Layken Lively stepped onto the mats of Claymont High School and carved her name into Shenandoah wrestling history. Competing in the 100-pound division on February 23, the top-seeded standout swept through the sectional tournament with the grace of a seasoned champion, her eyes fixed on a future that grows brighter with every match.
Her first test came in the form of Rilee Jones from New Philadelphia — a formidable opponent, yet no match for Lively’s relentless spirit. From the first whistle, Lively orchestrated the match like a maestra, her movements deliberate and sharp, each takedown a note in a symphony of skill. Victory came swiftly, but Lively’s day was far from over.
Next stood Sarah Whitlach of Tuscarawas Valley, a warrior in her own right. Yet, for all her strength, she could not crack the code of Lively’s precision. The Shenandoah phenom controlled every exchange, her technique a testament to hours of practice, her resolve unshakable. When the final whistle blew, Lively’s hand was raised once more — a symbol of triumph, a promise of more to come.
Now, the road stretches to Mentor, where the district tournament awaits. The journey grows steeper, the competition fiercer, but Lively marches on with the weight of her community behind her. She wrestles not just for herself, but for every supporter who believes in her mission.
Watch the Journal for more sports news, and to follow Layken’s journey.
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More Noble County Girls’ Wrestling News:
Three Advance to Girls Wrestling District Tournament
By Julie LaFollette
The Caldwell and Shenandoah girls wrestlers competed at the OHSAA East District Sectional Tournament at Claymont on Sunday with two wrestlers winning a Sectional Champions.
Shenandoah’s Layken Lively (100) placed first with a 2-0 record. She beat Rilee Jones of New Philadelphia with a pin in 1:11 and Sarah Whitlach of Tusky Valley in 1:22.
The Lady Redskins Asie Poland (140) also finish first with a 1-0 record. She beat Isabella Scarry of Minerva in 0:39.
Caldwell’s Tylee Cobb (155) placed fourth with a 0-2 record. She lost to Kira Coil of East Liverpool by pin in 0:58 and to Chole Tufford from Claymont in 4:46.
The girls will all compete in the OHSAA Girls District Tournament at Mentor on Sunday with wrestling scheduled to start at 10 a.m.
