Emma Mooneyham has recently proven that she not only wrestles successfully for the Rangers but beyond the Trail as well. With a collection of wins in state competitions, and her new “All-American” status from placing 8th at the USA Wrestling National Championships, Mooneyham revealed some of what you can’t see on the mat.

Q:  What made you want to be a wrestler?

A: I just decided in middle school that I’m not coordinated whatsoever. I can’t do anything with a ball. I’m an okay runner, but I just have strength.

Q: Do you deal with any issues being a female wrestler?

A: Oh, no, not at all. Actually they said I’m like one of the guys. I kind of want to be a girl but that’s ok, I’ve accepted it. You go in and I love it. You just go in and you’re expected to work your hardest every day.

Q: How do you gear up for a match?

A: I listen to Eminem. Yes, I get violent, but I also have to remember that I have God, and I know this may sound really cheesy, but every time before a tournament—I don’t care if it’s freestyle or folk style—as long as [it’s] a live tournament, I put Job 22:25 on my side. So you have to believe in yourself and in God to win.

Q: Where did you travel for your tournament? Was anything set up differently?

A: I traveled to Fargo, North Dakota. The weather is great. I’m looking into going to college there because I love the coach and they have a great nursing program and their women’s wrestling program is very hands-on.

Q: Is school wrestling different from what you did this summer?

A: There are two different types of wrestling. Folk style is what we do here at school, and freestyle is what I did over the summer. It’s a lot more throws, a lot more fast paced, and you learn that you can get beaten a lot faster and you can beat people a lot faster. Folk style has a lot more rules and is more about strength.

Q: Tell me about your life outside of wrestling.

A: This is kind of depressing but there’s not really one. I do everything for wrestling, but I do have a really big family. I hang out with a lot of people and a lot of wrestlers.