The vast majority of Arlington’s girls wrestlers don’t have a lot of experience, so coach Jim Smoots prioritizes basic fundamentals in practice sessions.
“The girls are very receptive to coaching and learning,” Smoots said. “We do a combination practice with the boys team some days, and some days we do a separate practice. When we practice on our own, we slow things down a bit, and they ask great questions. We’ve seen huge improvement throughout the year.”
The Eagles won their first tournament trophy last month, placing third at The Pride of Lynden Tournament. Their three seniors — Jordynn Mani (ranked ninth in the state at 115 pounds by washingtonwrestlingreport.com), Rachel Sherson (a Mat Classic qualifier a year ago) and J’lanaye Julien (a state alternate last season) — have established themselves as the team’s top wrestlers. But Smoots is optimistic about the potential of several of his freshmen grapplers.
“We’ll try to bring a good contingency to the state tournament,” Smoots said. “Jordynn has put in a lot of work. As a freshman she didn’t win a match and now she’s taken first in many tournaments. She’s wrestled a bunch of boys and lost to only one girl all season long. Rachel and J’lanaye are doing well, and two freshmen — Darby Morgan and Sophia Wheeler — are placing high in tournaments.”
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