Local girls wrestlers learn from former Fargo Champion
Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 1 year, 2 months AGO
Kaidance Gerg, far left, poses for a photo with 7B FGC girls wrestling camp attendees after a hard days work on the mats of Sandpoint High.
(Courtesy Photo)
2023 Fargo National Champion Kaidance Gerg, a 2024 USA Wrestling Women's National All-American in both the U20 and U23 age divisions, was welcomed by 7B GFC this past Sunday for their girls wrestling camp at Sandpoint High.
Gerg, who's also a 2023 WNO winner and from the Greater Meridian area, worked one-on-one with all of the camp's participants and answered every wrestling question she was asked. Participants ranged from middle to high school age and were from different areas of North Idaho.
"Kaidance went above and beyond," coach Valerie Johansen said. "She shared not just her technical knowledge, but also the emotions and experiences from her own wrestling journey ... she brought an incredible energy that made the camp an absolute blast."
Johansen said they are planning on welcoming Gerg again next year and hopes that the camp continues to grow.
"For these young athletes to be coached by someone who not only shares their goals, but has already achieved many of them — and who is from their own state — was truly inspiring," Johansen said. "We’re incredibly grateful to Kaidance for her time, heart, and dedication. We can’t wait to work with her again this summer on Team Idaho."
Gerg said becoming a clinician and active athlete is something she's thankful for, especially due to the fact that she has the chance to share her knowledge with young, aspiring female athletes like the ones here in North Idaho. On top of that, being able to take in and see things from a coach's perspective, continues to help her develop in all areas of the sport of wrestling, which she plans on being involved with in some capacity for the rest of her life.
"Spending time in Sandpoint has been an amazing experience," Gerg said. "The coaches genuinely care about the female athletes unlike most other places in Idaho. They are some of the most respectful and kind people I've had the chance to work with. The girls are so much fun to be around, absorbing knowledge and willing to learn things even if they seem difficult. It was a great experience and I can't wait to come back again."