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The development of girl’s wrestling in the United States has exponentially grown since the early 1990s where the numbers were edging towards a thousand participants. Fast forward to 2023 and the participation numbers have surpassed 50,000 and do not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, according to the Optimal Performance Calculator (OPC) weight assessment data compiled earlier this spring, the past year alone has witnessed a significant increase of approximately 47% (35,653 to 52,406). What’s more, the growth trajectory in the Gem State of Idaho appears to be heading in the same direction. Moving forward, wrestling continues to be one of the fastest-growing sports among girls in the United States (Scholastic and collegiate levels).

Since the starting point of girl’s wrestling here in Idaho, there have been several Pioneers that have set the precedent not only at the state level, but national and international levels as well. They include past Fargo National Champions Annaliese DeAragon, Cierra Foster, Brelane Huber, and more recently, Kaidance Gerg. Other outstanding Idaho Pioneers include 4x State Champions Lita Cruz, Alyssa Randles, multiple-All-American Mia Furman, and Cadet Pan Am Gold medalist Marissa Jimenez to name a few.

Among the newest Pioneers of Idaho Girl’s Prep Wrestling is senior Clare Waite of Boise High School. Beginning her mat career in the eighth grade at North Junior High School in Boise (Fall of 2019), it didn’t take long for Clare to gain a passion for wrestling and make it an integral part of her life. In fact, prior to entering the circle, she was an accomplished soccer player at the age group levels, but something about wrestling inspired her to take on the fierce challenges it provided. Early on in middle school, Clare experienced a few wins and losses, but for the most part remained focused on learning the basic skills of the sport.  

After one season at North, Clare was very excited to continue her journey on the mat and looked forward to an array of increased challenges at the high school level. Unfortunately, leading up to the new season at Boise High School (2020 – ’21), the nation and world were in the midst of the COVID pandemic and life as we understood it functioned with a lot of uncertainty. Under the circumstances, Boise High School, as well as the rest of the state were required to follow a series of defined COVID protocols mandated by the state. As a result, Boise shortened the season and fielded a very small team. In response, Clare didn’t sit idle and explored other opportunities in the area. In due course, she decided to give the Suples Wrestling Club in Boise a try. Led by World level coaches Ivan Ivanov and Mitko Georgiev, each international caliber wrestlers from Bulgaria, the Suples system is among the best in the country and world, and was definitely new territory for Clare considering she had just started her new wrestling career.

No doubt, the Suples system provided Clare with a new outlook and perspective in wrestling and taught her how to train to a higher level. According to Clare, Suples was not easy, For instance, it required early morning practices (5:45 am), as well as late afternoon sessions throughout the week, which included a lot of intense drilling, focus, and commitment. Additionally, the wrestling room was filled with several national and international level wrestlers. Simply put, she was exposed to wrestling at the highest level. Regardless, Clare gravitated to the challenges of Suples and the intense realities that wrestling provided her and from that point forward she did not look back.

Fortunately, the 2021 – ’22 season returned to some normalcy and wrestling was back at Boise High School. At this point, Clare was more than ready to integrate into the high school wrestling scene, especially after her Suples experience. In the beginning, she took her lumps at some of the local competitions, but with some guidance from her coaches at Boise, she recalibrated both mentally and physically and by mid-season began to experience more wins than losses. It was at this point, Clare felt that she could challenge for the state title. Not only was her training regimen improving a great deal, but her mental outlook was also improving as well. By season’s end, Clare was closing the gap with her competition and it showed when she won individual titles at both the District III and State Championships. Additionally, Clare competed during the off-season and won an individual title at the Idaho Freestyle State Championships and took first at the Western States Championships.

Entering her junior season (2022-’23), Clare was definitely becoming a leader among her peers and teammates and setting an example for all to follow. As a matter of fact, the number of girls joining the wrestling program at Boise increased significantly from years past and was among the highest in the state. At this point, Clare continued to experience significant growth and improvement both on and off the mat and it showed with solid performances at the highly competitive Rollie Lane and Tiger Grizz tournaments. In the post season, Clare faced some tough competition early on at the State Championships and barely won her semi-final match against Josie Redman of Marsh Valley by the very close decision of 1-0. In the championship final, she lost a heartbreaker in OT against sophomore standout Elise Twait of Meridian, 4-3. Having experienced tough losses in the past, this one in particular was very difficult for her.

Despite this loss, Clare regrouped, and put her nose to the grindstone and went back to work to improve upon her entire training regimen. Like a true champion, Clare responded well and won an individual title at the Idaho State Greco Championships and also placed third at the Western States. Over and above that, she earned All-American honors at the High School Showcase (US Open), NHSCA Junior Nationals, and the prestigious U.S. Nationals in Fargo. All exceptional accomplishments for only being in the sport a short period of time. According to Boise Head Coach, Jeff Dinwiddie, “Girls that wrestle are tough, especially here in Idaho. Clare Waite is a hammer among those girls. She's both physically and mentally tough and puts the work in to get better every day. Her biggest strength has been being able to learn from adversity. Coming up short in the third period of overtime in last year's state final might break some kids mentally and take time to get over it. Clare went right back to work and earned All American honors at two of the biggest off-season tournaments this last summer.”

Moving forward, Clare is more than ready to reach greater heights in her final senior season at Boise High School. She has said that her goals are to win another Rollie Lane title, Districts, State, and climb higher on the podium at Fargo. More importantly, she has emphasized her strong desire to become a better student of the sport moving forward. Having had great coaching at Boise High School coupled by gaining different perspectives of the sport from her training at Suples, the Factory in Fruitland, and other Fargo teammates, such as Kaidance Gerg (National Champ), Clare’s growth and accomplishments speaks volumes. In my humble opinion, Clare has the growth potential to take wrestling to the highest level possible, both collegiately and international. Not only is Clare an exceptional athlete, but a top-level academic student and leader among her peers.

Although a HIDDEN GEM at the beginning of 2023, she has definitely established her presence, both in Idaho and now the nation. Not only is she a top tier student/athlete, but a true Pioneer of the sport for future generations of girls to follow. This past week, I had the opportunity to meet with Clare and her family. We discussed wrestling, academics, her participation on the high school Rugby team, goals, hobbies, and future outlook in life. Unquestionably, I am very impressed with Clare’s growth in the sport, academic excellence, leadership, and look forward to her journey in the future years to come. Below is my Q&A with Clare and an overview of her top academic and wrestling achievements thus far. Enjoy!

Q&A INTERVIEW WITH CLARE WAITE

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING? 

WAITE – In the 8th grade my school (North Junior High School) was advertising that they were starting a girl’s wrestling team. Originally, I was going to play basketball that winter, but after the first day of tryouts I decided I wasn’t interested in it anymore, but my mom told me that I had to play a sport during the winter. I had quite a few guy friends that wrestled and they encouraged me to try it out. I went to the first week of practice and loved it. I wrestled mostly all boys that whole year and started doing club wrestling the following summer.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN THE SPORT?

WAITE – I have two people that have greatly influenced me in this sport. The first is my current coach, Jeff Dinwiddie. He has been with me since I started in the 8th grade and has always encouraged me and pushed me to be my best. He truly made my love for wrestling grow by working with me and giving me great opportunities.

My other great influence is coach Braeden Dickinson who has been my high school coach the past few years. Almost all of my technique I learned from him, especially 2 on 1s. He would do extra work with me after practice, both teaching me technique and wrestling live. Both of these coaches have helped me through mental and physical struggles over the past years even outside of wrestling.

The spring of 2022 I went through a severe mental block with wrestling after a tough loss. I wrestled timid, afraid to be offensive, and continued to lose matches I shouldn’t have and lost all confidence in my wrestling. Coach Jeff and Braeden sat me down in their office one day and helped me get to the bottom of what was going on with me and taught me strategies on how to improve my confidence and get out of a self-destructive mindset. They also both traveled to coach me at World Team Trials and Fargo. I will forever be so appreciative of them both.

DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT BOISE HIGH SCHOOL, BOTH ON THE MAT AND IN THE CLASSROOM.

WAITE – I am very lucky to be at Boise High because we have one of the largest girls’ team in the state with about 15 girls last year. It’s incredibly helpful to have a variety of practice partners and girls to travel with. Our mat room has a great sense of community and support among the boys and girls, which helps us all get through the tough practices. Academically, Boise High is also incredibly helpful with some of the best academics in the state. So far, I’ve taken 4 AP classes and am taking 3 more this year. The work is challenging, but will definitely benefit me once I go to college. Especially since my AP and concurrent credit classes can transfer into college credits.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON AT BOISE HIGH SCHOOL?

WAITE – My goals for this upcoming season are to win Rollie Lane, win Districts, and win State. As well as be a good team member by being supportive and encouraging to everyone on the team. I plan to cheer everyone on and strengthen the sense of community in the mat room.

HAVING HAD SOME GREAT SUCCESS AT THIS POINT IN YOUR CAREER, DESCRIBE YOUR TRAINING ROUTINE AND YOUR OUTLOOK IN THE YEARS AHEAD.

WAITE - During the fall I play rugby, so preseason training three times a week, and lift weights. I take athletic fitness at my school where we lift, do injury prevention, train plyometrics, mobility, speed, and endurance. During the winter I have high school season with practice every day after school, dual meets, and tournaments (also still taking athletic fitness).

During the spring I do offseason with my high school twice a week and train at Suples. In the summer I try to get as much training as possible at many different locations including my high school (mostly), Suples, the factory, best on best, and camps.

During the spring and summer, I compete at many tournaments such as Folkstyle Nationals, National Women’s High School Showcase, World Team Trials, Freestyle/Greco State, National Duals, and ultimately Fargo.

DO YOU HAVE AMBITIONS OF COMPETING AT THE COLLEGIATE OR INTERNATIONAL LEVELS?

WAITE – Yes, I plan to wrestle in college and eventually make a world and Olympic team.

IS THERE AN OLYMPIAN, COLLEGIATE LEVEL WRESTLER, COACH OR SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF THE SPORT OF WRESTLING THAT YOU WANT TO ASPIRE TO BE SOMEDAY?

WAITE – A few of my role models in women’s wrestling are Helen Maroulis (I went and watched her movie with my team when it came out), Sarah Hildebrant, and Amit Elor.

WHAT LIFE LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED IN WRESTLING THAT APPLIES IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE?

WAITE – Wrestling has taught me how to have an unbreakable mindset and has helped me improve my confidence. I’ve had many mental struggles the past few years and the principles of wrestling have taught me how to handle it. I don’t give up easily, if ever both physically and mentally. I have had straight A’s since 8th grade because I give 110% effort in every aspect of my life. Not only has wrestling benefited my academics, but also my social life; I’ve learned how to empathize, support, and encourage others.

DO YOU HAVE A SAYING, PHILOSOPHY OR MOTTO THAT YOU LIVE BY?

WAITE - A few principles I live by are: always give 110% in everything that I do whether its wrestling, academics, or social, discipline is more important than motivation, and obsession will beat talent. Also, a quote that has stuck with me over the past year is “never compare your beginning to someone else’s middle” meaning to only focus on your own self-improvement. As long as I’m better today than I was a week ago, a month ago, a year ago, that is the goal. Never compare my success to someone else.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG WRESTLER WANTING TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE SPORT OF WRESTLING OR IN LIFE?

WAITE – I would tell them about my principles above. How discipline and obsession beat motivation and talent. To only focus on your progress not your competitions because wrestling is a mental and physical battle against yourself. Build a strong mindset.

OUTSIDE THE SPORT OF WRESTLING, WHAT OTHER GOALS DO YOU HAVE IN LIFE?

WAITE - I hope to one day become an athletic trainer or physical therapist to help others perform at their best. I aspire to be a good friend, family member, and a focused student throughout my senior year and college. I hope to inspire other girls to wrestle and help those on my team to achieve their best potential.

ONCE YOU ARE DONE COMPETING, DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO STAY INVOLVED WITH WRESTLING? 

WAITE – Yes, I want to coach wrestling once I’m done competing. I feel like I could never not have wrestling in my life. I also might pick up other martial arts like Jiu Jitsu or Judo (I’ve tried before, but didn’t stick with it).

WHAT HOBBIES AND FAMILY FUNCTIONS DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

WAITE – I love the outdoors, camping, hiking, biking, skiing/snowboarding, swimming, paddle boarding, all of it. I also love playing games like spike ball, pickle ball, volleyball, and more with friends in my free time. All around I just love being active whether it’s going for a hike with my family or playing football at the park with friends.

CLARE WAITE’S ACADEMIC / WRESTLING ACCOLADES

BOISE HIGH SCHOOL

GRADE: Senior (Class of 2024)

WEIGHT GROUP: 144/145

WRESTLING CLUB: Boise WC

ACADEMIC ACCOLADES

• GPA (w/Advanced Placement courses): 4.0 (unweighted) / 4.168 (weighted)

• Southern Idaho Conference Academic Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fields of Scholarship& Activities (Maintaining min. GPA of 3.5 and wrestling), 2022, ‘23
• Idaho High School Activities Association Outstanding Individual Scholastic Award (Achieving GPA of 3.75 – 4.00), 2022, ‘23
• Idaho High School Activities Association Distinguished Team Scholastic Award (Achieving GPA of 3.5 – 4.0), 2023
• President's Award for Educational Excellence-Outstanding Academic Excellence, 2021

WRESTLING ACCOLADES

• Fargo U.S. Nationals Junior Freestyle ALL-AMERICAN, 2023
• NHSCA High School ALL-AMERICAN, 2023
• US Open Girls’ H.S. Showcase ALL-AMERICAN (5th), 2023
• USA Western States – 3^rd Place, 2023
• Idaho State Greco-Roman Champion, 2023
• Idaho State Championships – IHSAA, 2^nd Place, 2023
• Rollie Lane Invitational Champion, 2023
• Tiger Grizz Invitational Champion, 2023
• Boise High School Varsity Letter Award, 2022, ‘23
• USA Western States Greco-Roman Champion, 2022
• USA Western States Freestyle – 2^nd Place, 2022
• Idaho State Freestyle Champion, 2022
• Idaho State Championships – IHSAA, Champion, 2022
• IHSAA District III Champion, 2022