Riverton Parke Jr.-Sr. High School freshman wrestler, Shelby Leitgabel, has qualified for the IHSAA State Finals in the 100 lbs weight class. Shelby is the only Parke County wrestler moving on from regionals to the state competition. The state competition will be held Friday, January 17, 2025, beginning at 10:00 am in the Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.
Hoosier Prep Wrestling posted the following about Shelby before the regional competition: Shelby Leitgabel, a wrestler for the Riverton Parke Girls team, is ready to see her hard work pay off as she competes in the regional tournament this weekend.
Having wrestled intermittently since fifth grade, she truly fell in love with the sport in middle school after joining the Riverton Parke team.
Last year, she excelled on the boys' middle school team with a record of 17-3, but her season was cut short due to a torn bicep. This season, fueled by determination, she not only advanced to regionals but also claimed the title of sectional champion.
“Winning sectionals felt unreal. It was just my goal to get out of sectionals so winning it felt really good and like all my hard work was paying off. “ Shelby stated.
Shelby has earned numerous accolades throughout her wrestling career, including being a Banks of Wabash Runner Up and Parke Heritage Wrestling Tournament Champion, and has a current season record of 14-3. Wrestling has significantly impacted her life, fostering friendships and imparting valuable lessons. Shelby expresses gratitude for the discipline the sport has instilled in her, which she applies to both her academic and personal life.
As she prepares for the regional tournament, Shelby acknowledges the unwavering support of her family and coaches.
“My family has sacrificed a lot especially during wrestling season, my coaches John Ushman and James Beasley always help me at practice and always know the right things to say when I need to hear it, but the most important person that I attribute my success to is Coach Mark Frisz. He has always believed in me and pushed me to be a better wrestler, he has always seen something in me and makes me want to be a better person.” Shelby said.
