Central Dauphin Wins First-Ever Girls Wrestling Team Title

When sophomore Abby Stettler stepped onto the mat at Gettysburg High School, she had one goal: pin her opponent fast. Just 33 seconds later, she'd done exactly that, helping secure her team's place in Pennsylvania sports history.

Central Dauphin's wrestling team finished their season 19-0, claiming the first-ever District 3 Girls Wrestling Team Tournament championship. The Rams entered as the state's top-ranked squad and proved why, defeating Cumberland Valley in Saturday's final with confident precision.

"We're very honored and we've worked very hard for this," said Stettler, whose quick pin was her 20th fall of the season. "From Year 1 all the way here."

The victory was especially sweet because this tournament represents something bigger than one school's success. Girls wrestling has grown rapidly in Pennsylvania, and this inaugural team championship marks a major milestone for the sport's development.

Cumberland Valley made their own history just reaching the finals. The Eagles entered as the tournament's 10th seed, unsure just nine days earlier if they'd even qualify. They fought through tough opponents to earn their championship match.

"Nine days ago, we didn't know if we were even going to get in," said Cumberland Valley coach Ryan Seagreaves. "For us, I would say we were just happy to be here."

Central Dauphin's depth proved decisive. The Rams recorded seven pins throughout the match, with Brooklyn Niman, Aaliyah Johnson, and Alexa Elbertson all finishing their bouts in the opening period. Their upper weights set the tone early, jumping to an 18-4 lead that Cumberland Valley couldn't overcome.

The Ripple Effect

This championship trophy represents years of growth for girls wrestling across Pennsylvania. Young female athletes in the state now have a team tournament to aspire to, complete with packed gyms, championship trophies, and the same competitive atmosphere their male counterparts have enjoyed for decades.

The tournament featured 16 teams battling for the inaugural title, showing just how far the sport has come. Gettysburg captured third place, while teams across the district gained valuable championship experience that will fuel future seasons.

For Central Dauphin, the celebration was bittersweet in the best way. As they hoisted the trophy and snapped photos, they knew their names would be first in the record books. No team can ever claim that spot again.

"It's gonna mean a lot because we're making history," Stettler said. "It's the first time in Pennsylvania and the first one for CD."

Now the focus shifts to individual competition next weekend, where these athletes will compete for personal glory after achieving team success together.