GIRLS
Head coach Kristen Finn is building a program with the expectation of mirroring the boys team, but the challenges are different and coach Finn is becoming a master at understanding the psychology behind women’s wrestling.
“Coaching a female sport is so hard because truly 75% of the battle is getting them to believe in themselves and have positive self-talk. If I can get them to possess confidence and know that they can set goals and do hard things, I will consider my job a success. This will prepare them for life. Things are hard, times get tough, we don’t always get positive things just because we work hard, however if you are confident in yourself and know that you can give your best every moment, then there will be success regardless because you will leave the place, job, room, etc… better than you found it,” said coach Finn.
Several state qualifiers are back for Tuttle including Millie Bradley (So.) at 130-pounds, Liz McLeroy (Jr.) at 125-pounds, and Kurtsynn Walker (So.) at 190-pounds. The trio will give Tuttle a shot at someone making the podium this season.
Grace Madison (Sr.) and Dehlia Harrison (So.) both barely missed making the state tournament last season. Madison wrestled at 120-pounds, while Harrison is at 155-pounds.
BOYS
Coach Bobby Williams returns several key wrestlers this season including three-time state champion Beau Hickman (Sr.). Hickman will go for four this season and coach Williams believes the team is poised of big things.
“Own the moment.” That is a slogan this season. We have a lot of experience coming back. We talk about owning the moment whether it’s training, a mindset, or a match. We look forward to seeing guys chase their goals this year. We have a handful of seniors who could step up and make the lineup this season,” said Williams.
Chance Fisher (Jr.) is a two-time state placer and finished 2nd last season at 120-pounds. Eli Probst (Sr.) is another state placer who makes his return for his last run at a state title.
Several guys finished runner-up last season. Cooper Jackson (Jr.) was 2nd at 113-pounds, Shawn Rounsaville (Jr.) was 2nd at 190-pounds, Maxwell Bradley (So.) placed 2nd at 106-pounds, and Rylend Slover (So.) finished 2nd at 126-pounds. Also look for Bode Wilson (Jr.) who is another state placer in the lineup.
