The wrestling team traveled to the Berry Center in Houston on Thursday, Feb. 22 to compete in the state match. Each wrestler returned on Sunday, Feb. 25 after winning one match and losing two.

Though this is head coach Karra Stratton’s first year at the school, she has three years of experience under her belt from being an assistant coach at Northwest High School. This year was her first year traveling to state as a head coach.

“For the girls it means everything,” Stratton said. “It’s the final test of their strength and endurance but even more than that it [tests] their mental fortitude.”

Junior Lydiana Hill was among the six wrestlers who competed. After being on the team for three years, she placed fourth at regionals and was a returning state qualifier.

“My personal goal for the season was to make it to state and then make it to nationals,” Hill said. “[Going to state] means a lot. It shows that I’m one of the top wrestlers. Even though I didn’t do all that great [at state], it shows room for improvement.”

Junior Cassie Moseley placed second at regionals after being on the team for three years as well, however, this was her first year qualifying for state. Though she accomplished her goal of making it to state, she hopes to improve and possibly place in the state meet next year.

“I won my first match and lost my second two, which got me out,” Moseley said. “I just need to get out of my head because I’m still in it.”

Though the season is now officially over, the team will concentrate on putting its energy into the weight room to make sure the wrestlers acquire more strength throughout the post season and into the summer.

“When I think about my goals that I want these ladies to achieve I tend to focus on the long term,” Stratton said. “I believe that in the next three to four years, we will see a state title out of this team.”