The IHSA girls wrestling sectionals took place this past weekend, with Valmeyer’s Avery Smith competing in Peoria. 

Smith, who wrestles for Red Bud High School, placed third in the 125-pound division to qualify for the IHSA state meet taking place Feb. 23-24 in Bloomington. 

This is the third time Smith, a senior, has qualified for state in wrestling. 

Last year, Smith placed third in the state.

As a sophomore, Smith placed fourth at state. 

Smith began wrestling at age 8 when her mother encouraged her to try the sport over boxing. She joined the Bulldogs Youth Wrestling Club. 

Valmeyer and Red Bud schools have a co-op agreement in the sport of wrestling.