(Harlan, IA) — It is just the second year of the girls wrestling program at Harlan — last year the Cyclones had a developmental year and Head Coach Tarah Deviln Lawler is looing for progress this season. There are 9 total wrestlers at varsity but the breakdown is unusual — 5 seniors and 4 freshmen. Last year was more of the basics says Lawler
Of those seniors, Harlan will lose one of them early — Paige Wilwerding will graduate early and enter the military but is still participating in every practice which Devlin-Lawler appreciates. As for the other 4 seniors, Devilin-Lawler has high hopes for their development and success
Another senior Ivy Stevens suffered a knee injury and is out for the season. For the freshmen, Devlin-Lawler says its year to see what they can do on the mat
No girl finished about .500 a year ago — Wilwerding had the best record at 5-9 — so Devlin-Lawler hopes they can continue to develop. She says these girls have changed her life and its a privilege to coach them. Obviously the goal is always go to the state and maybe this is the year one of them will breakthrough
Harlan girls wrestling opens their season on Monday, November 25 at the CBAL tournament.
Complete Interview with Head Coach Tarah Devil-Lawler