Michael Smith
Three-time state champion Haley Ward said she likes the concept of the annual Battle of the Braids Tournament held at Fort Osage High School.
That’s because it helps wrestlers new to high school wrestling, like freshman teammate Bailey Wood, can get their feet wet to open the season in a tournament that features 27 teams and 80 small round-robin brackets.
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Because of that, there are more winners and the competitors get to wrestle a variety of opponents and compete in two to three matches each as each weight class is divided into three to seven smaller brackets. In Tuesday’s event, Ward’s Indians tied for the second most bracket wins with Kearney, Paola (Kansas) and Belton.
Odessa had the most winners with nine.
“I think the event is running smoothly, and it’s a good experience,” said Ward, who won her bracket at 170 pounds. “It’s a good starter for the season. I am glad to see all these girls out here having fun.”
Wood was one of those having fun as she got to taste victory early in the season after pinning both of her opponents in her first high school tournament.
“I like it. It’s my first year. I am a freshman,” Wood said. “I think it’s a good experience. I like that there are smaller weight classes with less people in them.”
