Sean Kilday
ASU Student Journalist

Jessie McCurry wins first girls wrestling state championship for Deer Valley

February 9, 2019 by Sean Kilday, Arizona State University


The first class of medalists in the 145-pound division include state champion Jessie McCurry (Deer Valley), Courtney Cardoza (Millenium), Nesa Martinez (Morenci) and Amber Rodriquez (Basha). (Photo:Sean Kilday/AZPreps365)

PRESCOTT -- Triumph and heartbreak filled the Findlay Toyota Center on Friday as 147 girls took part in the state's first girls wrestling championships.

Winners in 10 weight divisions now represent the inaugural class of champions in Arizona girls wrestling, and Deer Valley freshman Jessie McCurry (25-1) is the first title-holder in the 145-pound division.

With 14 girls each competing for their own school, the opening round featured high-paced matches with fresh wrestlers eager to secure the pins that would take them to the next stage.

McCurry faced off against Mesa sophomore Chloe Doucet, whom she had faced twice previously this season. The first period was contested evenly but McCurry was able to secure the pin and took her first of three eventual wins on the day by fall at 2:42.

McCurry met Morenci senior Nesa Martinez in her semifinal match and faced adversity on the mat as she later said she felt her opponent had the advantage in pure strength. McCurry said she had trouble making her shots on Martinez and focused on techniques she relies on when wrestling a stronger opponent. Those techniques led to a fall at the 5:56 mark and a berth in the championship match.

The finals saw McCurry pitted against the only wrestler to hand her a loss this season, Millenium sophomore standout Courtney Cardoza. McCurry wrestled Cardona again later in the season and won, setting up a rubber-match for the state title.

McCurry and Cardona won each of their preceding matches by fall, but in true championship fashion, the final was contested at the highest level as neither competitor was able to fully pin their opponent. McCurry made the most of the exchanges over the course of eight arduous minutes and earned a 4-2 decision as her hand was raised in final victory.

“I’ve put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this. Definitely tears,” McCurry said as she reflected on the journey to a title.

As a freshman champion she’s excited to return next season and build off her existing skill set, but said she’s also hopeful that in bringing the victory home to Deer Valley she can encourage other girls who want to learn the sport and help it grow.

“I want more girls on my team so they can try to feel the same thing that I’m feeling right now,” she said.  “I find that joyful.”

With a state title in hand, head coach Andrew Alejandro said McCurry will now prepare to represent Arizona in the national tournament taking place in Oklahoma City in March.