Looking ahead to pins and wins, the girls wrestling team is hoping to set the record straight and prove they are one of the best teams in the state, despite only being recognized by the IHSAA last year.
Senior India Powell said she wants to qualify for state this year. After a well-fought season, a state appearance could be in her future. She is doing all she can to prepare for the season and reach those goals.
“I’m trying to eat right and work as hard as I can during practice,” Powell said. “I started preparing myself beforehand by going on a diet over fall break and practicing during the preseason as much as I can.”
Being prepared physically is important because the amount of work these athletes put in during the off-season and during the season is shown in their performance. The eating habits they develop also play a big role because they need to be in a certain weight class to wrestle opponents.
“I hope to gain confidence and just self-awareness,” junior Jazmine Hollins-Rowie said. “Last year it was all ‘if I had done this’ and ‘if only.’”
This mental aspect is drastically important for athletes, as many of them push themselves to get better at their focus. It plays a monumental role in their performance.
Like Powell, senior Ayelen Duran is squaring up to face her final wrestling season. Duran has been working through a leg injury that occurred during the end of last season.
“[I have been] doing weight training at my physical session, working up my strength for my tear I had last year towards the end of the season, making every rep count and listening to the coach, asking questions to improve my technique,” Duran said. “Going to my physical therapy sessions, cutting weight healthy, and giving it my all in the wrestling room, staying close to my weight class, and going to the gym.”
Coach Jake O’Neill has played a big role in the team. He makes sure all the girls feel supported and welcomed. He has been reported to have a very inviting personality, which makes the girls feel comfortable.
“Confidence, belief in themselves, and an opportunity to bond with one another” are the main things O’Neill said he hopes to help the wrestlers gain during the season.