Gorsh strives to continue momentum

NORTH ENGLISH — It’s been a strong start to the season for English Valleys’ Anna Gorsh on the mat.

The Bears’ junior is 19-4 on the season and has had success in many tournaments with bigger schools.

Most recently, Gorsh placed third at the Bubba Randles Winter Classic Saturday, held at Cedar Rapids Prairie High School.

Gorsh did not get into wrestling until her high school years, and having the sport officially sanctioned played a big role in her decision to go out.

“I got into wrestling my freshman year,” Gorsh said. “The sport was just sanctioned, and I had always wanted to wrestle, so I saw the opportunity and decided to take it.”

Gorsh took her opportunity and has now grown to love the sport.

“What made me love the sport was the competition and our team,” Gorsh said. “I have always been a competitive person, and wrestling was able to bring that out for me.”

Gorsh’s competitiveness can certainly be seen on the mat by her aggressive style; she wins most of her matches by fall.

An injury ended Gorsh’s season last year and ended a chance at a run to State, but through hard work, Gorsh is now much improved from last season’s early success.

“Her sophomore season started well, and then she had a season-ending neck injury,” English Valleys coach Steve Hester said.

“As soon as she was able to, she put the off-season work in to be a better wrestler. She put more effort into lifting weights and has become stronger.

“Her work with camps and clubs has improved her offense on her feet and on top. She also just needed more mat time with her missing that second season,” Hester added.

The mental game has been another factor in Gorsh’s breakout season.

“I have felt improvement overall this year, as I put in a lot of off-season work,” Gorsh said. “My main improvement probably being my confidence.”

For the rest of the season, Gorsh has kept her goals simple.

“My main goals this season are to improve my aggressiveness and continue placing at big tournaments,” said Gorsh.

“Coaching Anna has been a pleasure,” Hester said. “I am excited to keep seeing her improve while keeping her love for the sport.”

Regional qualifying for state will be here before we know it; English Valleys will wrestle at Colfax-Mingo Jan. 31.