By Cooper Chadwick
Newton high school senior Jaeann James has qualified for state all three years of her high school career and she hopes this year will be no different.
“ I am dedicated and committed to my team. My team knows that I will show up and work hard. I expect them to do the same,” James said. “A saying in my house is that if it were easy, everyone would do it.”
James wrestles at 130 pounds and last year finished fourth place at state with a record of 26-11.
Now, with it being her last season she is feeling all the emotions.
“I am ready to get the season started, move past the anticipation, and into the actual experience. I love competing. I also enjoy meeting new people at events, both coaches and athletes, and reconnecting with those I have met over the years,” James said.
One thing that has been a problem with James every season is running into injuries, and this year she hopes to bypass all of the hardships that come with that.
“It is so frustrating. This is my last year, I want to enjoy it and have fun too,” James said.
James spent her offseason at camps and training with her team and her main focus was increasing her speed and explosiveness.
“For me, it starts with review and reflection of my past performances and setting goals for improvement. Some basic things like watching film and training videos,” James said. “I also had conversations with coaches and trainers, and I added or adjusted workouts to target my specific areas needing improvement.”
