By Matt Browning
For the first time, the Kansas State High School Activities Association did something new for girls wrestling and it has Newton’s Jaeann James pumped for the upcoming season.
“Something specific that I am excited about is that KSHSAA (finally) created separate classifications for 5A and 6A girls,” James said.
There are so many things James does to keep herself in shape throughout the year.
“I have been wrestling conditioning throughout the summer,” James said. “I am a multi-sport athlete so I am active year-round. I am also into MMA conditioning and training. I also have barn chores (seriously, it’s physically demanding) and I ride and show horses (not rodeo, disciplined riding).”
James is supremely talented, but she has been focusing on reacting to whatever her opponents throw at her.
“I am developing my ability to read and anticipate opponents and being prepared to respond accordingly with different possible combinations,” James said.
Rather than being the aggressor, James has often been more conservative with ability. But she’s hoping to change that this year.
“My individual goals include running more offense rather than reverting solely to defense,” James said. “My team goals include recruiting girls to expand our team so that we can get on the board at tournaments.”
