Last season, the Mountain Ridge girls wrestling team placed second in state. With most of last year’s starters back this season, the Sentinels are favored to contend at state again when the big tournament takes place next month. 

Count on the Merino sisters to make it to the podium. 

Senior captain Gabi Merino and junior Olivia Merino are team leaders and talented wrestlers. Gabi is an example to her sisters and the other Sentinel wrestlers on and off the mat. Olivia is a returning state finalist who has big goals this season—for herself and the team.

“My goals for myself this season include improving my personal record and achieving a higher ranking in my weight class,” Olivia said. “For the team, I hope we can work together to win the championship and build a legacy of excellence at Mountain Ridge. I also aim to help my teammates improve and reach their individual goals, fostering a culture of success and mutual support.”

Her sister has similar aspirations, including capturing state championships for Mountain Ridge and for herself. 

“The goals I have this season are making it to finals at state,” she said. “A goal for the team is to defend our region title and win state.”

The Merino sisters got interested in wrestling largely because of their brother, who competed. Intrigued by the sport, and driven to follow in his footsteps, they both started wrestling in junior high school the same year. Gabi was an eighth grader when she began wrestling; Olivia was a seventh grader. 

Gabi loves wrestling with her sister. She also loves how much wrestling helps her to test her limits and be at her best. 

“The thing I enjoy most about wrestling is the way it pushes me mentally and physically and seeing how much my body can endure,” Gabi said. “Another thing I enjoy is being able to do it all with my sister. The thing that motivates me is how far I’ve come, and I owe it to myself to keep going. From injury to mental blocks, all I’ve worked through has got me to where I am today, and it keeps me going in the hardest times.”

Olivia also enjoys the physicality of the sport. 

“What I enjoy most about wrestling is the aggressiveness,” she said. “I’ve always gravitated toward more physical sports. I seek so much validation and motivation in this sport. I love that this sport is always pushing me to be better because there’s always things I can improve on.” 

In the relatively short time that girls wrestling has been a sanctioned sport, Mountain Ridge has developed a strong culture. The program has been one of the best in the state. Both sisters agree that team unity and closeness are big reasons for the Sentinels’ success. 

“The best thing about wrestling for Mountain Ridge is the friendships I’ve built that I’ll have for life,” Gabi said. “Also, my amazing coaches that have pushed me to be the best. The thing I like most about the team is the way we support each other. Whether it be at practice during hard conditioning or during matches, we are always cheering.”

Olivia is proud to be a part of the team and bear the Mountain Ridge name as she competes. 

“The best things about wrestling for Mountain Ridge is the respect they give to me and my team,” she said. “I am honored and grateful that I have such a good school that I get to represent every weekend. What I love most about my team is that we push each other, and even though we are teammates, we’re not easy on each other. We push each other because we can see each other’s potential I love my team very much, and I’m glad I have such a good sisterhood to have my back.”

Gabi is a resilient wrestler. She has battled injuries but still comes to work every day ready to compete and get better. She doesn’t give up, even when things aren’t going her way. She takes her role as captain seriously. 

“I bring leadership and physical ability to the team,” she said. “As a team captain, I make it a point to lead by example at all times.”

Olivia has high expectations of herself and is always looking for ways she can improve and contribute to the team. She said she also brings a “goofy, honest personality” to the team. Olivia exudes confidence on and off the mat.

“I expect my teammates to bring it to every practice and tournament, though I am understanding that everyone has an off day or a bad match,” Olivia said. “So, through those times I try to be there for them and listen if they need to talk.”

Both Gabi and Olivia intend to wrestle competitively after they leave Mountain Ridge. 

Next season, Gabi is slated to wrestle at Utah Tech while pursuing her college studies. She also has enlisted in the Utah National Guard and will head off to basic training after high school. Olivia is confident that the lessons she has learned by wrestling for Mountain Ridge will stick with her throughout life. 

“I believe that wrestling has taught me valuable life skills, such as discipline, perseverance and teamwork, which will be beneficial in my academic and professional pursuits,” Olivia said. “I hope to study a field that interests me and possibly pursue a career related to sports or fitness.” λ