Como wrestler earns second in state

The stage was set. And it was a mighty big stage for Makiya May to perform on as a Como Park wrestler in the state tournament at the Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul.
Beyond being the first female from Como to ever qualify for the girls’ state meet, it was a huge leap to go from wrestling in high school gyms to a professional sports arena with over 10,000 fans in attendance.
But May (who goes by Meme) conquered any stage fright as well as her first round opponent who she pinned in the second period. May, the No. 4 seed, then proceeded to upset the No. 1 seed in a grueling three-period decision. A moment of pure joy punctuated by a triumphant scream. On to the state championship match!
That required a wait of several hours, which was time spent with Como’s coaches at Patrick McGovern’s for burgers, and in the arena for responsibilities. When the evening’s championship session commenced, May was buoyed to see family and friends in the stands who had been cheering for her all day.
The state championship went to a senior from Northfield who defeated May by technical fall. May was consoled and congratulated by coaches and loved ones. Shortly thereafter, May’s image was projected on huge arena screens as the public address announcer called her name to receive her second-place state medal.
A remarkable journey for Meme May – a Como Park junior who only began to experiment with wrestling two years ago as a freshman.
For those in May’s inner circle, they know the journey involves much more than just wrestling. Her hard work and achievements in the sport have helped develop discipline that positively impacts her life.
Reflecting on the past, May described herself as a “bad kid who did a lot of fighting and stuff. I had a rough time keeping my grades up. I wasn’t benefiting from the things I was doing.”
As her commitment to wrestling grew, so did self-advocacy and positive relationships. “Wrestling helps clear my mind and I like the adrenaline rush. I like the competition. I don’t always like the training, but it keeps me motivated,” May said.
Como’s coaches are essential to the training and May is grateful for their consistent support. “I appreciate the team I have behind me. Each of them has individual things that made them spectacular.”
The team in reference includes coaches Anthony Minus and Roy Magnuson, plus young assistants including Thay Ler See and Peter Yang. Combined with teammates and a loving family, May’s support network has become stronger.
“Coach Minus kept me minding my p’s and q’s. He said that you wouldn’t be successful in wrestling unless you’re successful with your grades and academically – so I got my grades up, so I could be eligible to wrestle.
“Coach Roy – I loved the pep talks. Love the pep talks,” May said with a smile.
“Coach Thay gave me the intensity I needed. He kept me on my toes and wrestled me like I was somebody his size. And coach Peter gave me the technique I needed to be a good wrestler,” May explained with enthusiasm. “I love all of them for that.”
Gratitude and growth. Relationships and rigor. Accountability and achievement. Wrestling has been a game changer for Meme May and many others, at Como and beyond. With the rapid expansion of girls’ wrestling (it’s the fastest growing high school sport in the country), the benefits are more available across genders.
Minus is proud of the culture Como wrestling is creating in this new era of the sport. May’s experience is a prime example of how wrestling can help young people.
“I believe Meme has grown in terms of being disciplined and choosing to do what’s asked of her to be successful every day,” Minus said. “Learning to be a self-advocate, seeking out adults who can be supportive of her, and taking those supports applying them into the athletic space.
“She has resolve and the ability to block out distractions. Wrestling has helped her unlock something that was already there.”
Magnuson has coached wrestling for decades and guided many Como boys to state with multiple state place winners. In helping May become the first Como girl to reach state, he saw familiar skills and strengths of top-level talent emerging.
“Meme’s strength starts in her ability to score takedowns when the wrestlers are both on their feet,” Magnuson said. “She effectively puts her opponent off balance which lets Meme’s offense have a chance to work.
“Meme’s willingness to see the benefits of having a plan, of matching her strategy to her strengths, has allowed for great progress in a relatively short period of time.”
Great progress has led to swift success, and the byproduct of praise and recognition which May is learning to accept. When asked what she’s most proud of from her wrestling accomplishments, her introspection reveals a young, positive, and maturing mind.
“Staying consistent and improving throughout the year,” May said. “I never dreamed of making it to state, but it was cool that I did. I was just doing what I love.”