Wentz excited to be apart of upstart Wheeling program

CHESAPEAKE — Laila Wentz doesn’t see herself as a trailblazer, but she did help to clear the path.

One of the first to participate in the newly sanctioned Ohio High School Athletic Association sport of girls’ wrestling, the Chesapeake Lady Panthers’ senior has beaten down a path to the college level.

Wentz signed a letter-of-intent to wrestle with Wheeling University. She said her decision wasn’t about being the trend-setter but rather maintaining what has already been established.

“What led to my decision was it was the cheapest option, but it’s also more local than the other schools,” said Wentz. “I like that it’s a new program so I get to add to it instead of trying to make my mark. It’s already made.”

Wentz said her final three landing spots were Wheeling University, Fairmont College and Otterbein University. She will be part of the Cardinals’ inaugural season when the 2026-27 season begins under head coach Lily Sherer.

“I like the school itself. The campus is really pretty,” said Wentz. “The coach is fresh out of college, so she’s been through it. She still has that touch. Older coaches have been out of it for a while and they don’t understand doing the athletics and the education at the same time in college.

“I’m sure we’ll come in and do good. I’m sure she understands that it’s a new program and we’re going to build from it.”

Wentz isn’t new to competing in athletics, including having to practice and play on boys’ teams. Wentz played one year of softball, ran cross country on the boys’ team so they would have enough to compete as a team, and was All-Ohio Valley Conference in soccer along with wrestling during her career at Chesapeake.

Wentz began wrestling her sophomore year and was the only female high school wrestler. Her junior season saw two junior high school girls practice with the high school.

Wentz has a lot of memories from high school but she gave a special nod to wrestling coach Chuck Wentz who is of no relationship to her.

“I think I’ll just miss it. Chuck (Wentz) is a really good coach. He’s a really hard coach at the same time. I think that is something that I’m grateful for and I can take it to the next level. I have that deeper understanding of what you need,” Wentz said.

Wentz plans to major in psychology.

“I want to take it into medical school and eventually do forensic pathology.”