Now 51-0 in career, Murphey eyes 2nd US crown
HVA junior 3-peats at state; two locals in boys, girls top six
HARDIN VALLEY — It’s no wonder Ella Murphey is a three-time TSSAA girls wrestling state champion. She’s also unbeaten in her stellar high school career at Hardin Valley Academy (51-0).
Even more, this talented junior is defending national champion in the 185-pound class, her HVA head coach, Matthew Bates, was eager to stress.
Having won the 2021 state crown her freshman season at 190, Murphy has won back-to-back TSSAA titles at 185 as a sophomore and junior.
Finishing 18-0 this past season, Murphey “has a unique skill set,” Bates said. “She’s athletic, she’s quick and she’s strong. It’s just a great combination.”
Well beyond TSSAA, “She goes and wrestles in national competitions all around the U.S.,” Bates said. “She travels quite a bit.”
Last season, “She was national champion at her high school weight (185),” he added. “National circuits are just starting up this year.”
Thinking of extending her success to the college level, “The recruiting process for her will pick up a lot in the next two to three months,” Bates said. (Murphey was unavailable for comment).
Blevins 3rd, Connaster 6th
Senior Kiera Blevins of Bearden (28-2) finished third in state among the 152 girls.
For the boys, HVA sophomore Brock Connaster (45-7) took sixth at 113.
