On Thursday, Nov. 30, the girls’ varsity wrestling team will attend their first invitational of the 2023-24 school year at Standing Bear High School. Weigh-in will take place at 4 p.m. and the meet will begin at 5 p.m.

“I’m excited to see how the new season is going to play out,” sophomore Ivy Theewen said. “I’m a little nervous. Waiting to get on the mat is always nerve-wracking, but it all goes away as soon as the referee blows the whistle.” 

There will be 12 teams in attendance at the invitational. Southwest has seven girls competing in the tournament. 

“I’m excited for the invitational, it’s the start of the year and we’ve got a good group of girls that are focused and ready to go. I think we are going to put up a good fight,” Coach Chris Nelson said. “It’s an evening tournament so there is plenty of time for people to get out there and support our girl wrestlers.”

The team has a mix of new and returning athletes. Sophomore Taylor Siefken is a returning district medalist. 

“I get nervous thinking about if I will win or lose,” Siefken said. “But I’m excited to gain experience and get better.”