Fourth season of Wildcat girls wrestling begins

The fourth season of Holton High School girls wrestling has begun, and head coach Mike Lovvorn, who’s led the Wildcat girls wrestling program since its inception, is optimistic about his team’s chances to take the Big East League championship in its first year.

“I think the Holton girls have a good chance to come out on top,” said Lovvorn, starting his fourth year as the team’s head coach. “Rossville won state last year, but they lost three strong seniors, so depending on who they have left, they could still be tough. Sabetha will have two seniors who were state qualifiers last year, so they may be a team to watch as well.”

With the help of three who qualified for Class 4-3-2-1A state wrestling last year — seniors Lexie Larson and Sadey Gross and sophomore Marley Gilliland — coach Lovvorn expects to see more greatness from the team. At last year’s regional tournament, Gilliland placed second in the 190-lb. weight class, Gross was third in the 120-lb. class and Larson was fourth in the 115-lb. class.

“Lexie, Sadey and Marley will be top prospects again this year,” coach Lovvorn said. “They will be looking not only to be qualifiers this year but also medal in the state tournament.”

Lovvorn is also hopeful for sophomore Jacey Willard, who wrestled seven times last year before an injury sidelined her for the rest of the season.

“She will be someone to watch this year, as she was looking good last year before the injury,” Lovvorn said of Willard.

Also returning this year are juniors Ansley Bear, Mattie Benedict, Kylie Carlsen, Christan Kucan, Kennedy Smith and Sierra Visocsky, and sophomores Keely Lovitt, Katie Purcell and Sydnee Visocsky. Other wrestlers include senior Lauren Shupe, juniors Gracyn Anderson, Juliet Brackenbury and Bailey Kathrens, and sophomore Haley Jennings.

The team welcomes nine freshmen this year, including Sophia Arredondo, Khloe Black, Madi Hawthorne and Lola Snavely, who Lovvorn said “are giving our veteran wrestlers a run for their money.” Other freshmen include Olivia DeBusk, Stormi Goudie, Ellis Larson, Emma Newberry and Joely Shupe.

The team’s dual record was 6-2 last year, and the Wildcats took first place at tournaments in Effingham and Silver Lake before placing third at regionals out of 38 teams, sending five to the state tournament. State medalists last year were graduated seniors Piper Robinson (fourth place in 110-lb. class) and Raegan Watkins (sixth in 155-lb. class).

“This year will be the first year for a girls’ league tournament and also the first year the 4A girls will get their own class at the state tournament,” Lovvorn said. “The 4A boys and girls will wrestle together in Salina at the state tournament.”

Lovvorn outlined a six-point plan for the team’s success this year:

• Supportive environment. “A positive, supportive team culture where athletes encourage and push each other will foster growth.”

• Physical preparation. “Wrestling requires endurance, strength, flexibility and agility.”

• Mental toughness and confidence. “Wrestling can be physically and mentally demanding. We will focus on building confidence and resilience that will help the athletes overcome obstacles, stay motivated and push through tough matches.”

• Mindset and focus: “Wrestling requires mental sharpness. Teaching the girls how to stay calm under pressure, visualize success and deal with ups and downs of a match is vital.”

• Commitment to training: “The girls’ dedication to practice, technique and improving day in and day out will be a huge determinant of the team’s success.”

• Injury prevention: “Staying healthy and injury free is key.”

Lovvorn will be assisted in coaching by Joe Purcell and Sheila Price this year.