Now in year three of the program, the Norwalk girls wrestling team continues to show improvement. The Warriors will emerge from winter break on Thursday, January 9, at the Nevada Dual Tournament.

Norwalk has a dual record of 2-3 and has competed in seven total meets during November and December. Head coach Alanah Vetterick’s high school roster includes 14 girls. Ten have wrestled at the varsity level, led by junior Kaylie Popiano at 135 pounds. Popiano sports a 20-5 record with a team-high 15 wins by fall. Junior Katie Liedtke is 13-6 with nine pins, wrestling primarily at 170, and won the Boone Tournament on December 21. Hannah Smith, a sophomore, is 13-8 with six pins at 115 and 120.

Coach Vetterick tells KNIA Sports that she is pleased with the team’s progress this season. The Warriors have become more aggressive on the mat, she says, and the next step is continuing to improve on technique and execution.

“We’ve transitioned into showing them a lot of technique and trying to get the girls to develop their own style,” Vetterick said. “So that’s been really exciting to see some of the things that the girls have picked up, and then developing their own kind of things that they like to do during their matches.”

Vetterick adds that she would like to see the Warriors peak at the right time this season, and she believes they are on pace to do that. This year’s regional tournament will be held on January 31.