Female wrestlers will put their skills to the test in the first Maine High School Girls' Wrestling Invitational, which will be held today at Mt. Blue High School.

Only Maine female athletes are eligible to compete in the non-profit event, which meets Maine Principals' Association guidelines.

"We have seen girls wrestling come a long way in a relatively short time," said Arvid Cullenberg, who is the meet organizer.

"There are some remarkable female wrestlers with talent in this state.

"This is a chance for them to shine in their arena."

Girls have been allowed to join male wrestling teams for the past several years in the Pine Tree state.

Over 50 girls, representing 27 schools, have pre-registered. Weight Classes will be determined by grouping entries, and all seeding will be drawn. It will cost $15 per wrestler, and schools with four or more wrestlers competing will pay $60.

Wrestling will begin at noon. Medals will be given to first and second place for each weight class. A team trophy will also be awarded.

There are several colleges that offer women's wrestling, and the United States Girls' Wrestling Association is gaining momentum. In fact, two former Mainers - Jenn Wormwood of Oxford Hills and Deena Rix of Marshwood - have each won multiple USGWA national championships.

They also placed third and second, respectively, in a Class A high school state meet.

"There is plenty of girls who wrestle," said Cullenberg, who is a certified wrestling official. "I've seen several who had great mat sense. They toss opponents a head and arm and use great hip work. In the end, she lost two matches and was done.

Here is an athlete who has most likely worked as hard as any guy and walks away empty handed."

She and others like her deserve their day in the sun."

For more information, call Cullenberg at 778-4971. A concession stand will be available.