By Becky Walz,
Members of the 2023 Decorah girls’ wrestling team are (front, l-r) Sonya Trosper, Stella Grinna, Hilary Junech, Chloe Sheffield; (middle) Annaleisa Arnold, Ana Simon, Lauren Luzum, Erika Valdez, Kamryn Steines, Amelia Wadsworth, McKenzie Tollefson, Naomi Simon; (back) Madyson Lippe, Cassie Wilkins, Kaitlyn Bjork, Ellie Adams, Isabella Sailor, Jenna Leuenberger and Izzy Alley. (Photo courtesy of Tami Bohr)
In just its second year in IGHSAU sanctioned girls’ wrestling, the Decorah team already has a solid base to build from with seven returning letter winners, including a state champion and Iowa Hawkeye recruit.
While the face leading the squad this year may be new to the girls’ team, it isn’t to the wrestling family as Gene Adams steps into the helm with 23 years of coaching experience. Assisting him will be Casey Kohls, Matt Simon, Bob Holkesvik and Bruce Sacquitne.
“The team’s foundation is centered around a veteran group of girls with many wins and state tournament experience,” said Coach Adams. “The wrestling team is a close knit group who genuinely care about the success of their teammates. They are not afraid of hard work and realize their work leads to success.”
A look at year one
The Vikings opened the first official season of girls wrestling with a full roster to choose from and finished with a 10-2 dual record and a runner-up finish in the Northeast Iowa Conference.
In the postseason, Decorah qualified 10 wrestlers for state and claimed the Region 7 qualifier title with 266 points, far ahead of Anamosa who tallied 191. Among those advancing were champions Ashley Bjork, Ana Simon, Lauren Luzum, Mairi Sessions and Naomi Simon.
Taking the mats at state held at the Xtreme Arena in Coralville, Decorah had three grapplers reach the podium. Top-ranked Naomi Simon defended her state title and finished the season with a 38-0 record at 170 pounds. Luzum, a freshman, had a tough road as the eighth seed at 145 pounds, ultimately finishing sixth at state, with a 31-13 record. Kamryn Steines also reached the podium at 190 pounds. After falling in the opening round, Steines won four-straight matches before taking eighth with a 28-8 mark.
Seven other wrestlers were also on the mats at state including Chloe Sheffield (105 lbs., 27-8), Kaitlyn Bjork (115 lbs., 24-12), Ashley Bjork (130 lbs., 34-8), Ana Simon (135 lbs. 29-9), McKenzie Tollefson (140 lbs., 27-12), Mairi Sessions (155 lbs., 32-7) and Skyla Jevne (235 lbs., 20-13).
Graduating after the season were a trio of state qualifiers including Ashley Bjork, Mairi Sessions and Skyla Jevne.
Leadership
At the top of Coach Adams’ list is his seven returning letter winners — N. Simon, Chloe Sheffield, Kamryn Steines, McKenzie Tollefson, Ana Simon, Lauren Luzum and Madysen Lippe.
Joining them will be senior Annaleissa Arnold; junior Amelia Wadsworth; sophomores Isabelle Alley and Drew Zwart; and freshmen Ellie Adams, Cassie Wilkins, Stella Grinna, Jenna Leuenberger and Erika Valdez.
As with all sports, Coach Adams is worried about his team staying healthy and the ability to fill all 14 weight classes.
“It’s a concern, but I am confident we can be highly successful whether we fill 14 weight classes or not,” he added.
Getting started
“We have a solid team and I expect good things both individually and as a team. I look forward to starting the season and competing against other schools,” concluded Coach Adams, also noting he believes Decorah will challenge for the top spot in the Northeast Iowa Conference.
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