By Matt Browning
Clay Center’s Gabrielle Koopes knows there is always work to put in. No matter how much success she has, Koopes can find little intricacies that need to be fixed.
“I focus improving my strength and technique,” Koopes said. “Technique is something we can always improve on and practice to get better at.”
There are some rule changes this season that Koopes hopes makes wrestling more enjoyable for everyone.
“I’m excited to see how much my teammates and I can improve and grow over the season,” Koopes said. “I think it will be exciting with the three-point takedown and really increase the action and offensive wrestling style in matches.”
While Koopes plays other sports, the focus is always on wrestling.
I was a team captain for my school’s summer weightlifting program where we met three times week and had workouts and competitions,” Koopes said. “I attend a few camps hosted at the high school and help out with kids club practices.”
There are plenty of goals Koopes has for this season – both individual and team.
“My goal for this season is to win a fourth state championship title,” Koopes said. “I will wrestle 125 pounds this season. This year we have 11 girls out which is the most we have ever had. We set a team goal to place at state and win a tournament this season.”
