Hunt, Richey look to defend state titles

Vian High School wrestlers Taya Hunt and Avery Richey became the school’s first state champions in girls’ wrestling last season while leading the Lady Wolverines to a thirdplace finish in the team standings.

Hunt (19-0) won the 138-pound title as a junior and Richey (26-0), a sophomore, claimed the title in the 126-pound division.

Hunt, a senior, wants to end her high school career with another state title.

“I hope to achieve the same goal that I had last year, which is to win state,” said Hunt, who will wrestle at 140 this season. “ Try my hardest to go undefeated this season is a goal.”

Hunt would like to wrestle at the next level after her high school career ends. “I am planning to wrestle after high school but I’m not really for sure where yet,” Hunt said. “A few schools are recruiting me and I’m looking at OCU (Oklahoma City University) and Carl Albert (Poteau) at the moment.”

Richey, a junior, is also looking forward to the upcoming season.

“I feel pretty good about this season,” said Richey who will wrestle at 135 this season. “I think I’ll do good at the end of the year like I did last year and I’m just wanting to work hard right now.”

Richey said wrestling in college is a possibility for her after her high school career ends.

“Wrestling in college is still on the table for me and it’s certainly not an option that I’m going to throw away,” Richey said. “It’s still a thought.”