Akron North High School Wrestling 2025 Winter Season Recap: A Year of Growth, Leadership, and Breakthroughs
The 2025 winter wrestling season at Akron North High School marked a pivotal chapter in the development of their girls’ wrestling program. Under the leadership of Head Coach Shane Reed, the Lady Vikings not only demonstrated significant growth in skill and competitiveness but also laid down important milestones that are shaping the future of wrestling at the school and in Northeastern Ohio.
This season was defined by strong leadership from a senior class that inspired younger wrestlers, a consistent improvement in individual performances, and historic achievements that will be remembered in the years to come.
Key Contributors: A Team Effort Led by Senior Leaders
Coach Reed proudly highlighted that every member of the seven-girl roster played a meaningful role in the team’s success. Together, they consistently placed in the top 10 in nearly every tournament they entered, a testament to their collective effort and determination.
However, it was the trio of seniors—Kretina Rai, Anne Ruble, and Anamika Rai—who emerged as the lifeline of the program. Their leadership extended beyond mere performance; they set the tone in practice, on the mat, and within the locker room. These three seniors led the way in each tournament, showing the younger girls what it takes to compete at a high level and how to carry themselves with confidence and grit.
Season Recap: Taking the Next Step Forward
Looking back on the season, Coach Reed described it as a period of significant advancement for the Lady Vikings. Unlike previous years, the team saw girls placing in the top 4 in nearly every tournament, a strong indication that the hard work and focus paid off.
A major highlight came during the Sectional competitions, where four wrestlers qualified for the district tournament, and the team secured one alternate. The pinnacle of their accomplishments came with Anne Ruble’s historic achievement as the program’s first state qualifier and placer. Wrestling in the 235-pound weight class, Anne earned 7th place at the state championship—an unprecedented milestone in Lady Vikings history.
This breakthrough not only brought recognition to the individual but also elevated the status of the entire Akron North girls wrestling program.
Defining Moments: Steady Improvement and Confidence Building
Unlike some sports where a single moment or game can define a season, Coach Reed emphasized that the team’s progress came from gradual improvement. Week after week, match after match, each wrestler grew stronger, smarter, and more confident on the mat.
This steady development helped build momentum throughout the season and created a culture of continuous growth. The willingness of the girls to learn from every experience, both victories and setbacks, became a hallmark of the team’s identity.
Player Development: Senior Breakthroughs and Future Stars
Among the team, Kretina Rai and Anne Ruble stood out for making the most significant jumps this season. Both had experienced ups and downs in their earlier years, but this year, they fully capitalized on their opportunities and raised their level of competition. Their progress was evident in their results and their ability to perform under pressure.
While the seniors took center stage, the program is also energized by the promising talent coming from the underclassmen ranks. Freshmen like Sanjita Subba, a two-time district qualifier, have already shown the potential to continue the program’s upward trajectory.
Sophomores Prashna Subba and Niya Rai are also expected to build on their successful freshman seasons. The future looks bright as these younger wrestlers gain experience and confidence under the guidance of Coach Reed and the mentorship of the senior leaders.
Senior Leadership: The Foundation of the Program’s Success
Coach Reed emphasized the invaluable role the senior class played—not just in matches but in shaping the program’s culture. Their leadership was a lifeline, inspiring younger girls to match their work ethic, toughness, and commitment.
The seniors' influence extended beyond Akron North’s walls. Other teams and wrestlers in the region took notice of their dedication and the example they set. The seniors have made a significant impact over the past three to four years on women’s wrestling in Northeastern Ohio, helping to elevate the sport’s profile and inspire the next generation of athletes.
Their leadership and performance this season have not only helped the Lady Vikings compete at a higher level but also laid the groundwork for a sustainable, competitive program moving forward.
Looking Ahead: Excitement and Opportunity
Coach Reed expressed enthusiasm about the future of Akron North’s girls wrestling program. The returning players bring experience and skill, but it is the younger wrestlers who truly excite him.
The coach is eager to work with the incoming freshmen and sophomores, helping them refine their skills and develop into dominant wrestlers. This next generation, motivated by the successes of the seniors and inspired by the progress of the program, holds the promise of even greater achievements.
With a strong foundation, continued hard work, and a culture of resilience and improvement, the Lady Vikings are poised to remain a competitive force in Ohio’s wrestling scene.
Conclusion: Building a Legacy on and off the Mat
The 2025 wrestling season at Akron North High School will be remembered as a turning point—a year where steady improvement, strong leadership, and historic achievements came together to shape a promising future.
The senior trio of Kretina Rai, Anne Ruble, and Anamika Rai not only excelled in competition but also provided the leadership necessary to inspire teammates and impact the broader wrestling community. Anne Ruble’s historic state placing stands as a milestone for the program and a beacon for future wrestlers.
With the development of younger wrestlers like Sanjita Subba, Prashna Subba, and Niya Rai, the Lady Vikings are in good hands moving forward. The culture instilled by Coach Shane Reed and his athletes emphasizes resilience, hard work, and continual growth—a winning formula on the mat and beyond.
Akron North’s girls wrestling program is carving out its place in Northeastern Ohio wrestling history, and the 2025 season was a powerful step forward on that journey. Fans and community members alike can look forward to witnessing the continued rise of the Lady Vikings as they build on this year’s successes and strive for even greater heights.
Share With