As the wrestling season is coming to an end, the girls team has won a total of five out of six tournaments. The next step is the state tournament.
As the team only has three weeks to prepare, the workouts have grown more intense to prepare the athletes for whatever is thrown at them.
“While the workouts hurt at practice I know it’ll be worth it when we get that state champion title again,” sophomore Wrestler Keala Loving said.
Along with the regular stresses of preparing for state, the team has also dealt with coach changes this year. Luckily for the girls team their current coach, Aliza Wix-Amaya, was on the ‘22 – ‘23 state championship team and already has a great relationship with the team.
“I have really enjoyed being able to go from a teammate to a coach. This season has been a transitional season for us,” Wix-Amaya said.
The returning wrestlers have really stepped up and taken the role as captains of the team and have led the girls to many 1st place finishes at many tournaments.
— Aliza Wix-Amaya
Even though the sport is won individually, team work and the support of teammates is key to the success.
“Yes, I feel as if team dynamic is key. Feeding off each other’s energies really helps you get in your right mind before a match, especially if it’s against a tough opponent,” junior Jessica Cooks said.
As a team, the team won the ‘22 – ‘23 state championship having the most points by the combined results of the wrestlers. This season they are preparing to defend their title.
“ I am incredibly excited for state, being this is my first one. I feel overall everyone has improved throughout the season and we have all done great these past few months,” junior Kayla Bonds said.
Bonds isn’t the only one excited for state, the younger teammates also show an eagerness to compete for the state champion title also.
“I am very excited for state, I feel as if all of our hard work will finally be put on display for everyone to see. It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come both individually and as a team,” freshman Kia Loving said.
The nine wrestlers that make up the team will all attend the state tournament. Six of these athletes are ranked in the state in their particular weight class.
“I am beyond proud of all of these girls,” Wix-Amaya said
