Jade Blackhart makes history as first LAHS female wrestler to win state championship. Courtesy/Vigil Photography

By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

Los Alamos High School Junior Jade Blackhart has accomplished something no other student has done in Los Alamos Public Schools’ history: earned a state championship first place finish in girls wrestling.

Blackhart and two of her teammates: Wendy Sheppard and Gala Nelson competed at the state championship held Feb. 23-24 at Rio Rancho Events Center.

Sheppard earned third place in her division and Nelson was just one match shy of placing. Blackhart won in the 145-pound weight class.

“It feels really great, actually,” Blackhart said of her historic achievement. “I put a lot of work in, and it feels really good that I was able to win. I am really proud of myself.”

Although she admitted that she is still shocked at being the first girl wrestler from Los Alamos to win at the state level.

“It’s kind of unbelievable,” Blackhart said. “It is kind of hard to process that I am the first one.”

Not only did Blackhart win at state but her record for the entire season did not have one loss – she had a perfect 36-0 record.

Girls wrestling coach Emily Tew said she was really pleased with Blackhart’s performance.

“It’s fantastic and I can’t think of a more deserving athlete,” Tew said. “Jade put in a ton of effort. The improvements we’ve seen from last year to this year are incredible.”

Tew added that watching Blackhart develop as an athlete has been a highlight for her.

“There’s her technique … that’s cool to watch but I think the biggest thing is her mentality,” Tew said. “It’s hard to go undefeated and she consistently brought the right mindset to all her matches.”

The state championships are divided into four sessions and Blackhart said this was not an easy win for her. She described the semi-final match as her hardest all year but added that her other matches were “nothing to laugh at.”

To prepare for the state championships, Blackhart said she did a lot of personal focus with her coaches. She further explained this involved learning new techniques to improve her wrestling as well as perfecting things she knew to be the best competitor.
She credited Tew as well as the boys wrestling coach Paul Wilson for their help in securing her state win.

Blackhart added that her teammates also showed a lot of dedication.

Blackhart started wrestling in seventh grade; coincidentally, her wrestling career began when Tew began coaching at the middle and high school’s wrestling programs.

She said she played football, too, and a lot of her teammates went on to the wrestling program. Blackhart said she spoke to Tew about wrestling and decided to give it a try.

Blackhart added that she has enjoyed the sport ever since.

“I think a big part of it is the friendships I have made … I also met new people at meets,” Blackhart said.

Tew said one thing she has admired about Blackhart as a wrestler is her persistence.

“She doesn’t take no for an answer,” Tew said. “She’s got the commitment and that persistence to keep going till she’s got it.”

The high school girls’ wrestling team had 13 members this past season and Blackhart encourages others to give the sport a try.

She explained it can make athletes stronger mentally and physically.

It is tough, Blackhart added, but it brings a lot of joy.

“It’s just a great experience for anyone to have,” she said.

With Blackhart’s history-making win, Tew said she hopes it encourages more girls to tryout for wrestling.

“I am very hopeful it does encourage young ladies to come out and wrestle with us,” she said. “I know she inspired her teammates.”

The high school season may be over, but Blackhart isn’t sitting back. She said she plans to attend some spring and summer programs and hopes to wrestle again during her senior year as well as in college.

She added she hopes she isn’t the lone member of her family to be on the wrestling mat. Blackhart said she has younger siblings that she would like to recruit to the sport.

“I … have three younger sisters and I am hoping they will do it, too,” Blackhart said. “Hopefully I won’t be the only one in the family to wrestle.”