Stephens qualifies for state tournament
HCHS’s Elle Stephens was the lone Cyclone to punch her ticket to the state tournament in Coralville doing so at the regional meet at Red Oak High School.
“She went out and wrestled really hard,” said Cyclone Head Coach Tarah Devlin-Lawler of Stephens. “She got her ticket punched, which was the goal for her this season to make it to the state tournament. I’m proud of her for everything that she’s done and what she’s accomplished so far.”
Stephens earned three victories during regionals, including a quarterfinals win in the 125 weight class against Sadie Smith of Kuemper Catholic with a pin at 5:28, a semifinals win over Maddie McCoy of Clarinda with a fall in 53 seconds, and a second place match victory over McCoy.
Other highlights included Kyrsten Madden earning a win over Keyana Haggerty of Southwest Iowa in the 135 weight class with a pin at 1:31. Annaleigh Sheehan, Danika Schwery, and Hallie Lopez competed, but took losses.
“Kyrsten wrestled her heart out,” Devlin-Lawler said. “She left everything out on the mat. It was kind of an emotional day for her just knowing she’s a senior and this is the last time she’ll be on the mat, so it was kind of hard to see her season come to an end, but she should be proud of herself. We’re proud of her for everything she’s accomplished this season, and she’s fantastic.”
Despite losing multiple seniors this season due to graduation, Devlin-Lawler is optimistic about the future of Cyclone wrestling.
“Looking for the future and continue to have them grow and continue to get better in the sport,” she said. “Understanding the technique and how the sport works and all the fun things that come with it. It’s a tough sport emotionally, mentally, and physically.”
Stephens will be in Coralville Feb. 6 for the state tournament.
“We’re really excited,” Devlin-Lawler said. “It’s going to be some pretty tough competition in a big arena. That will be a tough thing to adjust to mentally, but Elle’s had some pretty big competition in the past.”
