GETTYSBURG, Pa. — "I've been watching states here since I was really little and I've seen my cousin win a state championship here," recalled Gettysburg junior wrestler Zoey Haines.
To say that she grew up around wrestling is an understatement.
Zoey's dad Chris and her Uncle Ken both wrestled at Gettysburg High School, before hitting the mats at Lock Haven.
Chris coaches wrestling at his alma mater, while Ken has coached at Biglerville.
Ken helped coach his son Levi to a state championship. And after Saturday's 7-2 decision in the 148-pound PIAA state championship, Chris has helped coach his daughter to a state crown.
"It's very rewarding and I think Zoey carries the crown for many girls that came before who didn't have this opportunity. I think it's an honor to them that she was able to carry that torch," said Coach Haines.
While Zoey grew up around the sport, it didn't exactly mean she was drawn to it.
"It was during COVID," said Coach Haines. "We didn't go anywhere. Our wrestling facility is in our barn. So, wrestling's going on and she just showed up and said 'I am so bored. I'm going to do this.'"
"Before that, I never wanted to wrestle, but as soon as I started, I fell in love with it," recalled Zoey.
When it came time for the PIAA state championships, there was a Haines with butterflies in their stomach, but it wasn't Zoey.
"I got sick before, which never happens with anybody else, but it only occurs with Zoey. I just wanted to throw up, but once I got to the corner, Coach takes over. Our preparation allows me to get very comfortable coaching. Then, I think afterward the dad feelings rush back in, once again," recalled Coach Haines.
A day later, Zoey's cousin Levi claimed his second straight Big Ten title for Penn State.
As for Zoey's immediate future: "Ice cream," she said with a laugh. "Definitely mint chocolate chip."