By Matt Browning
Kapaun Mount Carmel’s Courtney Nye is the defending Class 5A champion at 125 and is preseason No. 1 at that class.
But throughout the offseason conditioning, Nye took on a new role.
“I was acting as a coach during our team’s off-season conditioning, which lasted four weeks,” Nye said. “Alongside a few other juniors and seniors, I helped the freshman learn moves and figure out if they truly like this sport.”
Nye is embracing the role of team leader. She wants to have an impact on the next wave of Lady Crusader wrestlers.
“I can work with the freshman and actually know how to help them, and it feels so rewarding to be able to teach these kids what I learned last year,” Nye said. “I am also so ready to compete and see the results of my hard work at practice.”
While Nye was one of the most successful girl wrestlers in the state last year, she wrestled defensive. She wants to be more aggressive this year.
“I really want to improve on taking shots,” Nye said. “Last year, I was a very defensive wrestler – as many start out as – and now I am looking forward to finally turning on my offensive side. I’ve been working on taking shots and figuring out which ones I’m best at – which usually led to me staying 20-40 minutes late during my summer practices.”
