Caroline Hattala finished sixth nationally as she and Ashley Stank won matches in Pennsylvania’s first girls’ wrestling national championship.
By Gary Weckselblatt
Quakertown Community High School wrestlers Caroline Hattala and Ashley Stank were part of Pennsylvania’s first national team title in the USMC 16U Women’s Nationals in the FargoDome.
The two rising sophomores each won matches with Caroline capturing sixth place overall and earning All-American status. One of her victories was against fifth-ranked Amie Hartman of Idaho.
“I’m very proud of both of them,” Coach Kurt Handel said. “They were both upset when they lost, but each of them performed well. And to become an All-American and make the semifinals, that’s quite impressive.”
He described the girls as pioneers as the PIAA-sanctioned girls wrestling in Pennsylvania for the first time for the 2023-24 season, making it the 39th state with a girls’ state tournament. Though unsanctioned last June, Caroline pinned four opponents to win the state crown.
“One day Caroline and Ashley will look back on this and appreciate what they accomplished,” Coach Handel said. “Wow, so many positives to take from this. Very impressive.”
The coach is out in Fargo with several QCSD families. The boys are up next with state champion Collin Gaj, state runner-up Mason Ziegler, and Calvin Lachman and Gavin Carroll. It’s the first time four boys qualified for nationals.
“Everyone has worked hard,” he said. “I’m excited for the opportunities coming their way.”
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].