CPU wins first girls’ dual meet in school history

MANCHESTER — Nearly three years ago, Center Point-Urbana freshman Presley McCabe stepped on a wrestling mat for the first time.

At the time, she was in seventh grade and was convinced to wrestle in the Iowa Girls AAU state tournament, placing fifth in 2024 and winning it all this past March.

That success has prompted a powerful start to her high school wrestling career.

“It gives me a lot of motivation,” McCabe said. “I’m super excited and know that high school is going to be a big jump. But, I’m ready to battle it out with some of the best girls.”

McCabe proved just that in a girls’ wrestling triangular Tuesday night. She went 2-0, winning both of her matches by fall.

“I feel like I did pretty good coming in, with it being my first varsity meet,” McCabe said. “I was nervous, and my shots aren’t how I want them to be. I’m excited for the season and want to get better.”

Despite overcoming some first-meet jitters, McCabe helped lead the Stormin’ Pointers to their first girls’ wrestling dual meet win in school history, defeating West Delaware, 30-26.

“It was awesome,” McCabe said. “Wrestling teaches you so much, and I am so excited to be part of it with these girls. Having a pretty good team this year is going to be fun.”

Center Point-Urbana Coach Chloe Loyd knows her team is special, and their first dual meet victory was a testament to their grit and competitiveness.

“We come in and are ready to compete at all times,” Loyd said. “It doesn’t matter what their name is or what their record is. My girls went out there and said, “Hey, we are ready to compete with anybody. We might not have the names or titles yet, but we are ready to build on this.”

Historical milestones like this one mean a little something extra for Loyd, a two-time Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA) state champion, who wrestled prior to the sport being sanctioned by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.

“Coming in as a previous high school wrestler during a time when there wasn’t a lot of girls’ wrestling, it is special to showcase them and what this sport is about,” Loyd said. “Wrestling is a very welcoming sport that teaches independence and builds character.

“It’s about showing these girls they are more capable than they believe they are.”

Having been part of girls’ wrestling’s humble beginnings in Iowa, Loyd is now passing the torch to wrestlers in her program, like McCabe.

As one of the leaders for the Stormin’ Pointers in the lower weights, McCabe wants to continue working hard and setting a good example for her teammates, especially during dual meets.

“I want to get the energy going,” McCabe said. “I want to set the pace and get everybody involved.”

Loyd sees the potential McCabe can bring to Center Point-Urbana’s program and is looking forward to seeing her develop throughout the season.

“Presley is that lower leader on the team,” Loyd said. “She’s that person that can go through and help people in our program that are new. She goes out there, and I can trust her to do her thing.”

While McCabe started her season with winning the Independence JV tournament on Nov. 17 and then winning by fall in two matches on Nov. 18, she still is learning more about the sport.

It’s not easy, but to her, it’s worth it.

“It teaches you things on and off the mat,” McCabe said. “It’s about being a good teammate and putting in the work to be great.”