Female Lower Weight Wrestler of the Year... Congrats to Madison Birth!

Top-ranked sophomore Madison Birth of Havre de Grace was already the Warriors’ first female and second-ever individual wrestling state champion as a freshman last season, joining 155-pound senior Kevin Greimel in 1988.

But the 110-pound Birth became the program’s first repeat titlist in March, when she vanquished Eastern Tech’s second-ranked junior Arianna Carnahan, 10-6, in their championship match.

In victory, Birth improved to 8-0 with six pins at the state tournament, her record for the season to 25-14 with 13 pins, her career mark to 57-22 with 33 pins, and also earned honors as Legacy Wrestling’s Lower Weight Wrestler Of The Year for Girls.

“It’s so exciting and it’s a real honor to be named Of The Year,” Birth said. “Winning my second straight state title was an amazing experience. Hopefully, I can continue to progress and get better and see what happens next year.”

Birth’s path to the finals encompassed falls in 2:25 and 63 seconds, the latter over third-ranked senior Julian Wong of Richard Montgomery, as well as an 11-7 semifinal victory over fourth-ranked senior Leian Wright of Western Tech. Wong edged Wright, 4-1, for third place.

“Arianna was a tough match as expected, and in the third period, she got in on a nice double-leg and I let up for a second,” who improved her record to 2-1 against Carnahan. “But then I chin-whipped and stepped over to get the takedown and four back-points and that was the difference in the match.”

As a freshman in that year’s state semifinal bout, Birth avenged an earlier loss to Carnahan, scoring a fall in 3:36 after having been decked by her nemesis earlier in the season.

“Arianna is a tough wrestler and the only girl I’ve ever lost to in Maryland in seven years. She is strong, has solid defense, and a good arm bar. I wrestled her last year in the semifinals,” Birth said. “I had something to prove since she had beaten me earlier that season. Meeting her in the finals this year was great, and it was the No. 1-ranked wrestler versus the No. 2-ranked wrestler like it’s supposed to be.”

As a ninth-grader, Birth pinned all four state tournament opponents, including those in 3:05, 3:58 and 97 seconds, the latter over Wicomico senior Alayah Nuttal in their title match.

“I felt like my semifinals match was more stressful and made me more nervous because I had lost to her a month ago. Last time, I had an injured shoulder,” Birth said. “I didn’t know what sort of things she did, and I had to feel her out. It was close, but I lost. This time, I feel like I came out wanting it more, not being scared and just going at her.”

As a 113-pounder competing against boys this season, Birth’s record was 19-14 with nine pins, having placed as high as third at the Kent Holiday Tournament in December and fifth at the Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference Tournament in February.

Birth referenced her career record against boys of 42-21 with 20 pins and a technical fall during an earlier interview with Legacy Wrestling’s Billy Buckheit.

“Wrestling against boys all year long until regions and states definitely gives me an advantage over my competitors,” Birth said. “Winning my second high school girls state title and 10th state title overall was very gratifying, but I haven’t accomplished all of my goals, so I’m not done yet.”

Another highlight of Birth’s freshman season featured the Tomahawk Duals in January 2024, where she completed a record of 8-0 with four pins against boys before a home crowd at Havre de Grace High.

Birth trailed by a point with eight seconds left in her 106-pound bout with North Caroline High sophomore Darly Ortega in their initial bout before scoring a double-leg takedown for the 4-3 victory

"There was a lot of pressure because he was backing up and he was strong. I felt like he was stalling, but I knew that with time running out, I couldn't wait for the referee to call it -- so I kept on shooting,” Birth said. “I was able to finally get in on his legs for a double-leg takedown, but I knew it wasn't over. I still had to ride him out until I looked up at the clock and there was no time left. That's when I knew it was over, and I had finally won. Most people see me wrestle and they don't expect to see me beating the boys in the manner I've been able to.”

A student with a 3.56 grade point average, Birth is a four-sport athlete who has also played soccer, lacrosse and is now competing in outdoor track in the 100- and 200- meter and 400-meter relay events.

Last fall, Madison was a forward on the Warriors’ soccer team, which earned a state title when she was a freshman. This spring, Madison has switched from lacrosse to track.

Birth is continuing a family wrestling legacy. Her father, Scott, was a state champion for Bel Air in 1992, and uncle, Chris, a state champion for Bel Air before graduating in 1990.

Madison’s other uncle, Matt Birth, earned a Harford County title and a second-place finish at regions before graduating from Bel Air in 1995.

Madison Birth’s brother, Conner, competed at 126 pounds for the Warriors, being a 24th-ranked runner-up at UCBACS, placing fourth at regions and finishing with 108 career wins.

Chris’ sons attend Walkersville of Frederick County, where Jack is an 18th-ranked, 157-pound senior, and Max is a 165-pound sophomore.

Jack posted a record of 32-3 on the season and totaled 110 career wins, finishing first, third and fourth at counties, and second and fifth at regions. Max has finished second and third at counties.

“It’s like a family tradition to win a state title now. I feel pressure to be perfect any time that I wrestle, especially against boys. I’m sure that my kids will wrestle. I feel like every time I step on the mat I am wrestling to earn my respect,” Birth said. “I think no matter what I accomplish in wrestling, there will still be people who don’t respect me because I’m a girl. As soon as we shake hands and the match starts, the pressure is gone, and it’s time to score points and execute.”