Bears expect great numbers

NORTH ENGLISH — English Valleys is the eighth smallest school with a girls’ wrestling program, according to the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union classification sheet that was released on Oct. 28.

Team numbers won’t reflect that. The Bears expect to have double-digit roster numbers this season.

“We should have 13 girls out, and I’m trying to recruit more,” English Valleys head coach Steve Hester said.

No state qualifiers return for the Bears this season, but Anna Gorsh and Christy Knapp will return and will play key roles.

Knapp advanced to the round of 16 at the super-regionals last season.

“I would like to push for the SICL title with this group,” Hester said. “We will be solid from 120 to 140, and we have some good freshman coming in.“

The Bears’ roster size exemplifies the growth of the sport of girls’ wrestling in the state of Iowa.

“I love the sport and how it has grown for girls, and the quality of the wrestling has been great,” Hester said.

The Bears will certainly be challenged this season, competing in many tournaments with bigger schools.

“I scheduled tough duals and tournaments to compete in,” Hester said.

The season begins for the Bears Nov. 18 at BGM in a quad dual with Iowa Valley, BGM and Union Community.