Jerry Scheidt is trying to figure out how to replace Chantelle Bailey.

“It’s hard to replace a two-time champion,” Scheidt said. Bailey, who is now competing at Yakima Valley Community College, set the standard for Enumclaw High girls wrestling with her back-to-back state titles.

The Hornets placed ninth at the state tournament in February. The loss of Bailey is a big hit to the program, but the Hornets return a number of wrestlers with state experience like sophomore Jade Paterson who finished fourth and junior Logann Erskine, who was one match away from a state medal. Senior Carson Seitz and junior Kassandra Renfrow also return to the mat for EHS.

“We’re hoping by early December our numbers will be stable,” Scheidt said. “We’ll have 12 to 15 girls out.

“That’s a jump for us and a lot of them are young.”

Scheidt said the fourth-year program is building slowly and with other teams in the league offering limited competition it may take some time. But girls wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in the state and that bodes well for Enumclaw.

“It’s a matter of getting the girls out to try it. It’s still a sport in its infancy stage,” Scheidt said.

Those on the mat are looking good.

“The girls are working hard and have a great attitude,” Scheidt said. “We’re expecting some great things. We’re having fun.”