Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston’s words invoked a smile from the subject of her statement at a recent Board of Education meeting. Silver Creek honored Kimmy Bauer, the district’s first Section VI female wrestling champion, at a recent meeting.

Bauer was one of 10 local girls to compete in the inaugural New York State Public High School Athletic Association girls wrestling championships at MVP Arena in Albany. She represented Silver Creek and Section VI athletics as a member of a merged female wrestling program, hosted by Fredonia.

Bauer entered the New York State Championship tournament with a record of 31-1 on the season after claiming the 185-pound sectional championship. She earned four first-round pins during the state qualifier.

While she did not finish on the podium, Bauer made the trip worthwhile by winning her first match via technical fall, then later earning a pin in the wrestleback bracket.

OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Silver Creek wrestler Kimmy Bauer, left, was recognized by Superintendent Dr. Katie Ralston, right, at a recent Board of Education meeting for earning a trip to the New York State Championship tournament.

Bauer received plenty of support before her trip to states, including a “clap out” celebration where classmates filled the hallway holding signs they made to cheer her on. Her latest round of applause came from district administrators and the Board of Education.

Before taking photos to commemorate the occasion, just feet from where she posed for photos on her way to states a month earlier, Ralston said, “Kimmy, congratulations. You’ll always be known for this honor here.”