East Central alum gets two wins during college wrestling debut

Prater also gives advice to other females who want to wrestle

(TIFFIN, OH.) - An East Central alum made her college wrestling debut this past weekend. 

Leighna Prater wrestles for Hiram College and her team competed in the Tiffin Open on Saturday. 

Prater picked up two wins during the event by beating wrestlers from Rochester Christian as well as Mount Union.

The former IHSAA girls wrestling state qualifier has noticed some major differences between high school and college wrestling. 

She says the college level is not just about strength and training, but also about strategy and focus.

Prater understands that she is in the minority in a male-dominated sport. She offers advice to other girls who are considering whether to wrestle. 

“To any girl who’s ever thought, ‘Can I really do that?’ Yes, you can. Wrestling isn’t just for the guys; it’s for anyone willing to put in the work and heart,” Prater said. 

She added, “I’ve wrestled for over a decade and made history at my high school. It’s been challenging, but it’s also made me stronger and more confident than I ever imagined. So if you’re thinking about trying, do it. Believe in yourself because you belong on that mat.”

Prater will be back in action this weekend as Hiram competes in the Adrian Duals on Saturday and the Adrian Invitational.