Normal West girls wrestling is hoping to put together a successful run, using it as a “growing season” to help the young squad progress and build the future.

And although she’s been coaching for a few years now, head coach Margaret Lehr has now made her title official after fighting to get a head coaching title instead of the assistant position she held the previous few years.

Girls wrestling has been around for a while, but in Illinois, this is only the fifth year of having a state tournament.

In addition, the team will be hosting their “first-ever girls dual home meet” at Normal West on January, 22.

With Lehr officially at the helm, she notes that the team’s “willingness to learn” as one of their strongest qualities.

A huge piece of this is that many of the returning athletes are prepared to take on mentoring roles, which is critical given the high number of new freshmen this year.

Senior, Amelia McClure is the only returning-senior on the squad, however, Lehr mentions Sophomore Arian Sabu as a “really strong up-and-comer,” despite being injured in volleyball last year and never getting on the mat.

According to Lehr, Sabu showed  a ton of dedication and “learned a ton just watching and asking questions” while serving as a manager last season.

With this almost-brand-new team, they bring in a new focus or “motto” with it.

Coach Lehr states the new motto is “all aboard,” symbolizing that “it’s all-hands-on-deck” and that “everyone has a a part to play in the process.”

With Lehr and McClure as well as Sabu and others, the team aims to stay strong and together this season, proving they can compete with anyone.

The girls will travel to Urbana for their first meet of the season on Thursday, December 4 at 5 pm.