Shore is the second female to qualify for the state tournament. The first was 103-pounder Paige Nemec in 2010 from, ironically, Mantua Crestwood. Nemec won one match at state but it came in the consolation round.
“It’s been a dream since I was 6 years old,” Shore said of standing on the podium as one of the top eight finishers. “It’s something I really want to do and I’m not goig to stop until I get it done.
“It hasn’t hit me yet. But it all will. … I’m better when I’m the underdog. I know I have nothing to lose. Go do my best and everyone is already proud of me. I’m thankful for the opportunity. Everything else is just bonus.”
Shore (24-8) returns to action Friday against Milan Edison freshman Alec Homan (49-9).
Shore’s brother Max, a freshman won his first-round match with an 18-2 win over Liberty Center senior Cameron Henneman.
Thursday’s attendance was 10,803. The majority of those in the stands for the early round action were watching Shore. The crowd gasped when Shore showed impressive quickness and power by dropping Szuhay with a hard take down.
“The crowd’s a lot extra than I thought, for sure,” Shore said of the attention. “I didn’t realize literally everyone was watching me. It’s awesome. I’m thankful.”
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