The Cardinals girls wrestling team is looking to build on the success of past years as it embarks on its fourth season.
After sending two to state, and claiming the first state medal in program history thanks to graduate Harper Andrews, the team is looking to send an even bigger crew this year.
“I think we’re all kind of getting used to it, kind of working out those feels for the mat,” junior Abby Fager said. “But I think this year we can start out really well compared to maybe last year.”
Head coach Miles Cleveland said he hopes the team can qualify five or six. As girls wrestling continues to grow and evolve, the team has a new set of challenges to work through. The first step is polishing technique.
“The sport is definitely evolving,” Cleveland said. “The deeper we get into this girls wrestling thing, there’s better technique and the competition’s a lot tougher than what it was a couple years ago. So, they’re trying to figure it out.”
He said the team is young and still has a lot to learn throughout the season, but they have been aided by some strong senior leadership.
“We do have quite a few freshmen in the lineup, which, you know, a couple of them wrestled in middle school, so they kind of know what they’re doing, but it’s a little different atmosphere being in a high school room,” Cleveland said. “They’re still trying to figure their way. Yeah, there’s a lot of learning to be done, but they’re doing well.”
One of those leaders is senior Ryan Bretthauer, who returns after a state appearance last year.
“I do want to try and, you know, work hard, and be a good role model, considering I’m a senior,” Bretthauer said. “I want to make sure that the freshman girls can look up to me.”
The Cardinals have been hyper focused on technique to start the year and are starting to transition toward working on fitness as well.
“I think we’re gonna grow a lot, especially with these younger faces,” Fager said. “We’re gonna get a lot more improvement. We’re gonna be able to build them from the bottom to the top and get them through it. I think we’re going to have a really good team this year by the end of it.”
The team has lots of areas to grow, but they are looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish.
“I want us to continue to grow girls wrestling,” Bretthauer said. “And, you know, just improve on our game.”
Reach reporter Cuyler Dunn at [email protected]
