Boy’s Wreslting
This year, Norwin wrestling has been very successful, moving up the WPIAL rankings from preseason 9th to 6th. The team’s record is 4-1 in their section and 11-5 overall, and that they are 2nd in their section. They are accelerating towards a possible participation in states as a team.
There are multiple Norwin wrestlers ranked in the state: freshman Landon Sidun, seniors Nathan Campbell and Aiden Pham. Ranked top ten in the WPIAL are juniors Gage Mamie and Nick Puskar, seniors Nate Campbell and Aiden Pham, and freshman Landon Sidun. Astonishingly, Sidun is also ranked #1 in the country at 114 pounds according to Sports Illustrated.
This year has been a huge success for the team. With state rankings and national recognition, there is no stopping the boys from continuing to climb the ranks and compete better than ever before. It seems as though something as changed within the team and their mindsets.
“Difference with this year’s team is that individuals are starting to separate themselves because of grit and toughness,” coach Kyle Martin said. “Wrestling is hard, life rewards hard. The wrestlers that are buying-in to the system and making jumps in their athletic ability.”
Freshman Landon Sidun has been a huge success this year, ranked #1 in the country in his weight class and dominating every match he competes in.
“I would say that my strengths are that I have a lot of dedication and I live my life towards wrestling,” Sidun said. “It’s all I do, and I really enjoy it. My motivation is that I always look forward to the next big thing, which right now is wanting to win states as a freshman. This has been my best season yet, and everyone has been really supportive. ”
Other individuals who are doing well are seniors Nathan Campbell and Aiden Pham, who are ranked in the state. These seniors have been wrestling for a lot of their high school years, and it will be sad for the team to let them go, as well as the other seniors on the team.
The team, with new and dominating freshmen along with older, experienced seniors, has been doing better than ever this year, in part due to their hard-working athletes and in part due to their determination and commitment to themselves and each other.
“The team’s strengths is that we are kind of like a family,” Sidun said. “When the guys go out there, we cheer them on and everyone wants each other to succeed and do well.”
WPIAL Team Championships began on Wednesday January 31, the boys faced Plum to advance in the bracket. It will take the boy’s winning the next three matches they have for them to get to states as a team, which just motivates them further. The team is ready for whatever hits them and will try their hardest during these next few matches.
Lady Knights Wrestling
The Norwin Lady Knights wrestling team has also been competing strongly this year, with a 3-3 record overall. With the girls team only being created last year, there are already a dozen wrestlers and a strong will to compete.
The girls are a strong team, and are very supportive of one another. They try their hardest to do well, and they are always cheering each other on from off the mat. They have been doing better than ever this season, with fantastic results and attempts from each and every girl on the team.
“This season has shown explosive performances as a team we have gone toe to toe with some of the best teams this side of the state,” Josephine Dollman said, Lady Knights team captain. “We’ve realized we have what it takes to be one of the best teams in the state in the future. Personally I have noticed a difference motivation wise and I think it is largely in part because of the girls. They motivate me before every match.”
The team placed at the top of the leaderboard for many of their matches, and notably placed 1st at Mid-Winter Mayhem on January 13. There were four lady wrestlers who placed: sophomore Josephine Dollman in 1st, junior Abigail Hewitt in 1st, freshman Karsyn Champion in 3rd, and freshman Octavia Walker as a runner-up. Other achievements for tournaments are placing first in the Southmoreland girl’s tournament and 8th at Beast of the East.
The team shows massive commitment, dedication, and hard-work when it comes to competitions. The girls have been doing really well, especially for only becoming a team last year, with many new girls joining just this year.
“I would describe the team as selfless, hardworking, and dedicated,” Dollman said. “These girls put their heart on the line every match and win or lose, they leave it all on the mat.”
