Meredith Kaump competed in the Girls State Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 6 and 7, placing sixth and executing the fastest pin at 14 seconds. Wrestling in the 140 weight class, this was Kaump’s first state appearance, a goal she has been trying to reach since her first year wrestling at Kennedy.
“On one hand I not only accomplished my main goal which was just qualifying for state, but out-wrestled my seeding to place at state,” Kaump said. “but there were mistakes that I made, that if I didn’t I could have done better.”
Kaump had a record of 25-11 compared to this year’s record of 34-6 there has been a lot of improvement.
Kaump started wrestling her freshman year, and since then, she built up her wrestling skills with the help of her supporters. Kaump is especially inspired by her coach, Craig Mallicoat, who has been coaching her since the start of her wrestling career.
“I have [my] family, mainly my parents and friends who have supported me in so many ways,” Kaump said. “[I’ve] had so many different training partners in practice that give me different looks.”
Mallicoat helps Kaump build her confidence before stepping on the mat.
“Before tough matches when there is a lot of pressure, I just take a deep breath and visualize what I want my match to look like, and Coach Mallicoat makes me tell him “I’m good at this” before I walk on the mat,” Kaump said.
Her skill is not the only thing that sets her apart from the rest of the girls on the team.
“Her ability to be competitive on the mat, then the next minute have empathy towards her teammates or competitors.” Mallicoat said “Meredith has a balance that allows her to be the best version of herself when it’s really needed.”
Kaump not only learned new skills within the sport, but also developed personally and emotionally through her experiences on the team.
“Being on a wrestling team has been an experience. It has helped me become a better leader, a better teammate, and a better person in general,” Kaump said. “The wrestling team has also supported me through my biggest highs in the sport as well as picked me up in my worst lows.”
Kaump wrestles freestyle, which is different from folkstyle, the style traditionally wrestled in high school.
“It focuses on the neutral position (where both wrestlers are on their feet) which helps me keep better body control over myself and my opponent,” Kaump said.
While she prepares outside of season, she also wants to enjoy her last year on the wrestling team.
“I absolutely want to climb the podium at state and do better than I did this year,” Kaump said. “But I mainly just want to enjoy my senior year and soak it in.”
