Natalie Yingling and Holly Schnarrs have both been chosen as Warrior Watch’s Female Athletes of the Week for the week ending on 3/1/24. On May 17, 2023, girls’ wrestling was officially sanctioned as a sport by the PIAA, meaning that girls in Pennsylvania schools could now compete in a separate state tournament from the boys. Although West Branch does not have its own girls’ wrestling team yet, the two girls in the boys’ program had the opportunity to compete separately from the boys in the postseason.
On Saturday, February 24th, the two girls competed in the first-ever PIAA girls’ wrestling district event. Natalie placed 3rd, and Holly placed 4th, putting them both in a position to move on to the Central Regional qualifier at Milton High School on Saturday, March 2nd. At the regional tournament, Yingling placed 6th and Schnarrs did not place. Although neither advanced to the state tournament in Hershey, the Warrior community is proud of their hard work and effort. West Branch Athletic Director Dave Williamson stated, “Coach Bainey and I are extremely proud of both of them as they competed and represented WB well.”
Facts about Natalie Yingling:
- Parents: Tara and George Yingling
- Siblings: Brothers Derek, Reese, and Emery, and sister Makayla
- Pets: Dogs Rose and Rexy
- Favorite Wrestling Memory: Beating a boy people thought I would lose to
- Pre-match Ritual: Saying a prayer before every match
Facts about Holly Schnarrs:
- Parents: Tiffany Emigh and Chris Schnarrs
- Sibling: Hunter Schnarrs
- Pets: Dogs Titan and Tig
- Favorite Wrestling Memory: Getting my first medal
- Pre-match Ritual: Eating a Snickers and having Nat braid my hair
