Mel Radford is a sophomore JV wrestler at a Michigan high school with a rich mat tradition, following in the footsteps of older brother Cole, a senior starter and team captain. Like most high school wrestlers, Mel has to deal with issues such as tough practice sessions, concerns about weight, balancing academics, sports and a social life, and living up to coaches’ — and teammates’ — intense expectations. In fact, some wish Mel weren’t on the team.
Mel is actually Melinda, the only girl in the wrestling room at Ashton High outside Detroit, and the lead character in Alfred C. Martino’s latest novel, Perfected by Girls, now available from Coles Street Publishing. Continue reading at intermatwrestle.com