ELGIN – Symphony Veloz is anxious to get started with the Elgin Lady Owls’ wrestling season this year after placing sixth at the 16U National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota.
Veloz, wresting at 180 pounds, won her first two matches but dropped the next three at Nationals. However, those two wins placed her in the semifinals as she earned All-American status. Veloz lost her first two matches last year in the same tournament.
“I was definitely nervous because of how the tournament went last year,” she said. “I just gave it my all. I met my goal after getting to the semifinals. It was a fun tournament. Next year, I want to go 5-0 or 6-0 and win the whole tournament one day.”
The national event is filled with female wrestlers from all over the United States who wrestle various styles, but are winners and champions in their own right. Most of the competitors are state champs or have placed at their own state tournaments, Veloz said. She defeated competitors from Ohio and Wyoming in the first and quarterfinal rounds.
Symphony’s mother, Sonia Veloz, said the national tournament provided a great deal of excitement, but created some personal anxiety as she watched her daughter compete.
“Her goal was to be an All-American so that was exciting to watch,” Sonia said.
But now, it’s time to for the younger Veloz to prep for Class 5A action with the Lady Owls later this year. Last season, Veloz won the state championship at 165 pounds as a sophomore. She’s hoping to be a repeat champ this year when she’ll wrestle at a higher weight. During the 2022 Class 5A championship match, Veloz scored a 1-0 decision over Owasso’s Sidney Milligan to win the state title. As a team, the Lady Owls finished fifth with 39 points.
“Right now, in our off-season we try to run and stay in shape. I’m excited about the upcoming season,” she said. “I hope this year we can get closer to getting a full team.”
Elgin wrestled with nine girls last year at duals and tournaments.
Veloz began wrestling as a sixth grader at youth league tourneys, but it wasn’t her first choice.
“I remember when I was young, I wanted to play football, but my parents wouldn’t allow it because of the risk of injury so our compromise was wrestling,” she recalled. “I’ve always been drawn to physical contact sports.”