LEMOORE — Upper Lake High School senior Emily Knispel didn”t win a medal at the inaugural CIF State Championships on Saturday at Lemoore High School, but she came pretty close.
Knispel went 2-1 on Friday in day one of the two-day competition and came back with a win and a loss on Saturday to finish in the top 12 at 146 pounds. A top-eight finish would have netted her a state medal and the distinction of being the first Upper Lake wrestler — girl or boy — to do so.
“She”s definitely the most accomplished girl wrestler in the history of Lake County,” Upper Lake coach Tom Cox said. “She had a great year, she was happy. We”re extremely proud of her.”
Knispel”s quest for that state medal was just seconds from happening, according to Cox.
“She was ahead with 35 seconds in her last match when the girl (Knispel”s opponent) threw Emily to her back,” Cox said.
Knispel ended up losing 6-3.
“She was just one win away from placing (in the top eight),” Cox said. “But she had a great career.”
