By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Girls' wrestling is on the rise in Kansas, and Great Bend High School senior Daizy Gomez is taking advantage. The Kansas State High School Activities Association held its first Girls' State Wrestling Championships in 2020. Gomez placed fourth in her first state appearance just two years later as a sophomore. Now a two-time state medalist seeking a third, Gomez has committed to wrestle at Friends University in Wichita next year.
"I picked Friends because I was looking for a college with a coach that genuinely cared for his team, and the success of his team," Gomez said. "Coach (Tim) Prescott is one of the most caring and genuine coaches I’ve ever met. I really appreciate all the help he has given me and am extremely grateful for all the opportunities. I am looking forward to growing not only in wrestling but in my academic goals. I started wrestling pretty late, but once I started and started accomplishing goals I never thought I would; it became my No. 1 sport, and I really dedicated myself to it."
Gomez picked up first-place finishes in McPherson, Hoisington, and at home last year. She placed second at regionals before another fourth-place finish. Currently ranked No. 2 in Class 6-5A, she opened her senior campaign with another win at McPherson and placed third at the Christmas Clash held at GBHS last weekend.
Gomez is also a state qualifier on the track. She placed 15th in the 400m dash as a freshman and also ran on the 4x400m relay team that placed 10th that year. She was a member of last year's Lady Panther 4x400m team that placed sixth at state.