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SPORTS: Bear, Zephyr gymnasts advance to state PAGE 6
Home project receives thumbs up from council BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
CAREY EIGEN | CONTRIBUTED
Shelby McFetridge pins her opponent and secures a win. McFetridge recently placed third at the Minnesota State High School League Section Tournament.
Mahtomedi Wrestling program breaks barriers BY OLIVIA DECKER SPECIAL TO THE PRESS
In a sport that has long excluded women, the Mahtomedi High School (MHS) wrestling program is empowering its female participants and proving the importance of inclusive athletic opportunities. The Minnesota State High School League introduced girls wrestling during the 2021-22 season and has seen incredible growth since. “Providing these opportunities for females shows them that it is possible to pursue something that used to be not possible. It is motivating to create a program that allows females to pursue a new passion,” said Mahtomedi Head Coach Matt Oswald. “It provides the athletes
another avenue to work on building confidence, teamwork, goal setting, resiliency training, and proper nutrition and hydration.” There is a high level of excitement in the program felt by both players and coaching staff, “My favorite part is teaching the girls the new techniques for wrestling. They are extremely focused, passionate, and eager to learn the sport. I enjoy all of the ‘firsts’ for the girls - first takedown, first win, first pin, first tournament championship.” This 2023-24 season, MHS has three female wrestlers, which has prompted authentic support and meaningful change in the program. Oswald shared, “Male athletes have stepped up and trained, supported, and cheered for our female athletes,” which he
cites as easing the transition for students into a multi-gendered program. Beyond logistical changes like purchasing female uniforms and hiring a female assistant coach, Oswald said, “The inclusion of females into our program at Mahtomedi has strengthened our culture by emphasizing that wrestling is for everyone - it just takes commitment and hard work.” The new athletes have brought more visibility as well as new families and fans into the program. Last season, Mahtomedi’s Shelby McFetridge (Class of 2025) became Zephyr wrestling’s first female to qualify for the Girls State Tournament. “Having opportunities for female athletes SEE FEMALE ATHLETES, PAGE 17
Ken and Ann MacDonald both feel good things are coming their way. They plan to tear down the one-story residence they purchased back in December and build it into a two-story home, and they just received permission from the White Bear Lake City Council to do so. “It’s pretty much unlivable, the way it is currently,” Ken MacDonald said, noting that their house had remained unoccupied for nearly eight years before he and his wife bought it. By then, several issues, from rodent infestations to an eroded foundation, had contributed to its noticeable deterioration. They both hope rebuilding it will give it a new chance at life, a move MacDonald said has received a hefty dose of support from many of their surrounding neighbors alongside the home at 4556 Highway 61. “All things considered, I’m still very willing to hear if others have concerns about this,” MacDonald explained. Shortly after buying the house, he and Ann requested the White Bear City Council approve two variances from their 15-foot side yard setback to begin their reconstruction efforts, which the council did at its Feb. 13 meeting. However, not all have been favorable toward the MacDonalds’ long-term project, which has come under sharp criticism by their next-door neighbors, the Millers, who argue that their planned reconstruction is unnecessary and could pose several safety issues, depending on how it will be built. SEE CITY COUNCIL, PAGE 10
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The MacDonalds’ renovation plan will include a brandnew second-story addition.
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