FHHS Lady Wrestler Takes Third In Mayor’s Cup

Ayleen Ardila of Forest Hills High School lost her first match in the eighth annual NYC Mayor’s Cup wrestling tournament in Harlem on Sunday. But she didn’t let it carry over into the rest of the competition. Ardila went on to capture third place in the girls 130 pound weight class.

An avid martial artist, Ardila found out a little too late about Forest Hills’ boys wrestling team last season. This year, however, she didn’t let the opportunity of becoming part of the team fall by the wayside. Moreover, she was ecstatic for the chance to compete, and didn’t expect to be treated any differently because she’s a female.

"I’ve always been into martial arts. I take karate, I take judo, jujitsu," said Ardila, who competed almost entirely against boys and posted a 2-7 record during the season. "So, when I heard about my school having a wrestling team, I wanted to be on it.

"I didn’t know about it last year until too late," she added. "My friend told me about it and he talked to coach, and [coach Stephen] Serio said that I can try out, but I wouldn’t get any special treatment, which wasn’t what I was looking for. So I was happy when I made the team."

Accustomed to throwing knees and using full nelsons against her martial arts opponents — which, she said, is illegal in amateur wrestling — Ardila’s transition into the sport was arduous at first. But she adapted well and fell in love with wrestling.

"What I have known as far as fighting, I had to completely do the opposite for wrestling," the senior said. "Things that I have learned I had to throw away for this. It was difficult for me, but I got it. It was great [experience.]"

Ardila, who also sang the National Anthem before the boys' Championship finals, plans on training at Beat the Streets wrestling, a youth training program that’s helping to expand and develop the sport in the New York City area, before leaving for the Marines after graduation.