Mannford senior makes school history as first girl wrestler to sign with college program

A Mannford High School Senior is making school history as the first girl wrestler to sign with a college program.

Aubrey Merrell's love for wrestling all started because she wanted to follow in her brother's footsteps.

"He told our mom that he wanted to buy wrestling shoes, and I decided that I wanted to too," she said.

But in the four years she's been a part of the sport, Aubrey has forged her own path. With the help of her coach, she set out to accomplish competing collegiately.

"I believe she was a sophomore or junior when she said that about talking about going to the next level," said Coach Ottawa Cochran. "That's when I said, 'You are going to do it then, that's the goal.'"

That goal turned into reality.

"It's kind of shocking to me because I actually thought I was going to be a competitive cheerleader my whole life so getting in to wrestling and realizing girls actually do this, I mean, I am just shocked that I got into a school to wrestle, to keep going, to finish my career," Aubrey said. "I am just super excited."

She is headed to Northern Oklahoma College at Tonkawa next year, the first girl at Mannford High School to go on to wrestle in college.

And it's inspiring others to join.

Aubrey started a trend. What started with just her and one other girl in the Mannford wrestling program has grown to more than thirty girls.

While she's happy with her own success, the best part for Aubrey is watching younger girls find success too.

"I found out that I really love coaching when I went to youth practice and was helping out with the little kids every day, and my littles get better and better every day," she said.

While her journey in the sport started by following someone else, she's leaving a legacy that's lifting others, one match at a time.

Aubrey hopes to return to Mannford as a coach and math teacher after college.

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