Cedar Senior Signs NLI, Makes History

Cedar High School - Cedar High wrestler Melbourne Earl has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Snow Junior College and compete with the Badger's as a wrestler.  In doing so, Mel becomes the first female Cedar High wrestler to move on to the next level in the program's history.

Melbourne competed in wrestling for the first time in her life, as a senior.  Although the season began with two straight losses, and a frustrating growth curve that had her losing as often as winning, Mel came on the second half of the season, ultimately claiming the 4A Girls Wrestling Championship in the 115 lb. weight class.

Mel's State Championship run began by pinning an opponent from Ridgeline High School just 1:05 into the first-round.  Next, a pin of the top-rated wrester in her class, boasting a record of 30-4, just 1:02 into the match.  Finally, Mel met a region rival from Pine View.  Mel pinned that opponent just :40 seconds into the match to claim the Championship.

Melbourne talked to reporters about her decision to wrestle as a senior, her state championship run, and the opportunity to wrestle at the college level.

Mel's mother called her the "best daughter and sister" a family could have.  Her father encouraged her to wrestle, but she resisted at first.  "It needed to be her idea."