The rewarding feeling after winning a match is something that wrestlers know well. ANML wrestling has 13 girls on the girls wrestling team this year, and in order for these girls to win a match they need to be strong, have good technique, and most importantly have supportive coaches.

Coaches have a big impact on the wrestlers for eighth grader Lauren Anglin. “One thing my coaches have taught me that really helps with my performance is to always work hard even when you lose,” said Anglin. Not giving up when wrestling gets tough shows great sportsmanship.

While some wrestlers look at the mental aspect of competing to help them, freshman Abby Gindele looks more at the physical part to take down her opponents. “My favorite wrestling move to use in matches is the butcher because for me it’s the easiest way to pin people,” said Gindele. The butcher involves lifting their opponent onto their shoulders and then dropping them onto their back. 

The individual girls have been having a good season so far and are anticipating a good end. “My season has been going pretty well so far and I’m hoping that I can make it to state this year,” said seventh grader Peyton Walberg. 

Whether it’s mentally preparing themselves or working hard in practice to gain confidence for their matches, what matters most is that they’re having fun no matter what. The girls wrestling has been working hard using strength and sportsmanship to be successful in their wrestling meets.