HERSHEY — On March 9, 2024, freshman wrestler Evelyn Sheer, known as “The Pink Nightmare,” achieved a historic milestone at the PIAA Wrestling Championships. She became the first female wrestler from Hazleton Area to earn a medal since the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association began sanctioning girls’ wrestling in 2023. Sheer secured a third-place finish in the highly competitive 235-pound weight class, showcasing her talent in the final matches of her inaugural varsity season at the Giant Center.
Sheer faced a challenging start, losing to senior standout Brenda Banks of Panther Valley in the quarterfinals. However, her determination shone through as she rebounded in the consolation rounds. In her first consolation bout, she took an impressive 14-2 lead against Samara Bailey from Crestwood before Bailey was forced to default due to an injury. Sheer continued her momentum by pinning Leah Nason of Athens in just 1:54, followed by a quick pin of Mylah Steinbuch from Bedford in 2:30. This performance set the stage for her third-place match against Jenna Chapman of Albert Gallatin.
In the final match, Sheer demonstrated her control, leading 7-2 before securing a pin in just 1:29, earning her the coveted bronze medal.
While Sheer celebrated her historic achievement, Jake Benyo, a sophomore from Hazleton Area, faced a tough day in the 121-pound category. He lost his fifth-round consolation bout to Dominick Morrison of Hatboro-Horsham with a score of 5-0. Benyo later faced Abramm Schaffer from Wilson West Lawn in the fifth-place match, where he ultimately fell 7-4, finishing in sixth place but still earning a medal.
As the day progressed, Sheer’s brother, Gabe Benyo, prepared for his gold medal bout against Brayden Wenrich from Northampton at 114 pounds. Gabe reached the finals after a tight 4-2 decision over Cael Muller of Notre Dame-Green Pond in the semifinals, setting high hopes for his performance later that day.
In another notable match, Brenda Banks, aiming for her fourth consecutive state title, faced Zoey Murphy from Southmoreland in the 235-pound title bout. Banks advanced to the finals with a swift pin of Noelani Knott from Dallastown in just 45 seconds, marking her second pin of the tournament after an impressive 10-0 major decision victory in her opening match.
The championships also saw the elimination of Aliza Williams from the Lady Panthers at 170 pounds. She lost her matches to Kate Prior from Delaware Valley and Audrey Calgaro from Canon-McMillan, concluding her run in the tournament.
Evelyn Sheer’s remarkable achievement not only highlights her skill but also paves the way for future female wrestlers in the region, exemplifying the growing recognition and support for women’s wrestling at the high school level.
