By: Charles Steffen - CCS Journalism
New head coach Ethan Poppe has high hopes for the Crofton-Bloomfield girls wrestling team.
Poppe looks for specific characteristics in his wrestlers, “Grit and coachability.”
The team is young with only two returning seniors that will pave the way for the underclassmen. Although this is true, Coach Poppe described the team as a “unit”. “I don't separate returners and underclassmen. We're just one unit looking for leaders to emerge in the room and set us up to make a push for a team title in February.”
One underclassmen that has shown great potential is previous state qualifier Bethany Arens. “I am really hoping to be able to make it to state again, and win a state title. Now that I know how to manage all of the things that go along with wrestling, and that I can get there, I am feeling decently confident about it.”
Senior Pamela Dennis is in it to win it this year after losing in the heartbreak round at districts last year. This year she is not only focusing on a comeback season but motivating underclassmen. “I plan on leading and keeping the underclassmen motivated by having a good attitude during every practice, helping whenever someone is struggling, and always cheering people on.”
State qualifier Elizabeth DeRoos plans on using her experience to hopefully become a state champion this year. “The most valuable lesson that I have learned from wrestling is that you have to have discipline and be willing to work hard to get what you want and you will get out of it what you put in. In my life I will use this by having more discipline and a good work ethic when I have a goal."