OKMULGEE, Oklahoma– Muscogee (Creek) siblings Ayo and Anniyah Bear made an appearance at the Oklahoma Kids Wrestling Association (OKWA) State Championships bringing home two medals, one for each and qualifying for world championships.
Back on February 18 & 19 the Bear siblings wrestled their way to the wrestling state tournament in Oklahoma City, making this Ayo’s third appearance and Anniyah’s second appearance. They were two out of 21 from their academy to make it to state.
Ayo, who is in the third grade at Wilson Public Schools made his first appearance at the OKWA State Championships in 2020 where he placed first in the Division I category. Returning for the third time, the young wrestler was named runner-up in the Division II category.
Anniyah, who is in the first grade at Wilson Schools made her first appearance at the state championships in 2021 where she was named runner-up. She returned for her second year and received first place in the Division I category 7 and under girls.
Both siblings wrestle with MOJO Grappling Academy out of Schulter, Oklahoma. Their coaches are Jeremy Tecumseh, Garrett Sands and Robby Bear. Their practices take place at Wilson Indian Community Gym. The siblings work hard during practice to be better competitors on the mats.
Traysa Bear who is the mother of both wrestlers reported they had 61 wins, 14 losses and 47 pins combined this season.
Anniyah has been wrestling for two years with the club. She wrestles in the 7 and under girl’s division 45 pounds, and also the Division I boy’s 43 lbs. Ayo has been wrestling for seven years. He is in the Division II competing against 83 through 120 lbs weight class.
With the state championships behind on them, the siblings look forward to competing in the world’s championships that takes place in Reno, Nevada. Since both have won in state they qualified for world’s, making MOJO Grappling Academy take seven qualifiers.
“It was really intense,” Traysa said about watching her children compete in state. “There was no feeling to prepare you or anything for it.”
MOJO Grappling Academy will be taking their seven qualifiers to the Reno World Championships April 7-10 to represent Oklahoma.
