Lady Cats Strong on the Mat at Scottie Invitational - Johnson Wins, Baker 2nd

The Harlem Wildcat and Lady Cat Wrestling teams were in Glasgow this past weekend taking part in the 27th annual Scottie Invitational. The Lady Cats were once again very successful placing two athletes on the podium. Junior Kaitlyn Johnson won the girls 126 pound division while sophomore Izzy Baker fished second at 114 pounds.

The Wildcats took eight boys to Glasgow and won nine matches against 26 losses in the two-day tournament. The girls took six wrestlers going 19-23 as a team in the process. Both teams continue to work hard and are showing plenty of progress early in the season and expect good things to come as the season progresses.

Wildcat Head Coach, Jonny Baker continues to like what he is seeing from his young boys' team, "The Boys continue to make progress on their early season and racked up a few wins throughout the day. Senior Landen Gray is still learning some hard lessons but keeps his head in the fight." Baker pointed out the growth of some younger wrestlers as well, "Sophomore Trent King had a tough start in the first round but came back for a nice pin in the wrestle backs. His intensity this year is way up, he claims that it is a result from a break after his football season. His shot confidence and mat awareness continues to grow."

Another wrestler has also caught Baker's attention, "Joe Arensmeyer also shows improvement and is hungry to make his mark. My Big Guy Freshman Heavyweight Terrance Gray made his debut to the mat with a solid win first round. He sustained a small injury that match but didn't shy away from the competition. He fought through the pain and showed me how his mental toughness is sharpening."

The boys didn't score the way they may have wanted but that doesn't change the way they competed, "Unfortunately the boys didn't make it through the first day of competition, but that didn't stop them from lacing up and going into the breach Saturday morning to face off again with the opposition. They strung together several wins and of course that precious mat time! If they continue to build that awareness and confidence, I am sure we will turn a milestone in this young team."

As far as the Lady Cats go, Baker's smile continues to get bigger each time they step on the mat. "The girls, what can I say they don't disappoint. Junior Kaitlyn Johnson and Sophomore Izzy Baker continue to make headway on their quest for the podium. Kaitlyn's confidence this year is intoxicating. She went into the tournament with a goal and didn't stop pushing until the last one fell. Her championship match against a girl from Miles City was textbook basics and had a cool calm finish." The staff has a good time with Johnson, "We joked that she didn't break a sweat on that last match under the lights. Her passion for the sport shows through her dedication in training."

Baker was also thrilled to see another finish high on the podium, "Izzy Baker also having a final championship match which was called the match of the evening by the announcer as she grappled (Blake) Follete from Poplar. Coming in strong and staying focused through the tournament helped her secure her travel to the championship match. Izzy works hard in the wrestling room, she not only pushes herself hard, but her teammates as well. Her performance this weekend makes us all proud."

The Lady Cats have a senior wrestling for the first time as well, "Mylah Rider and sophomore Ihté Stiffarm also brought home medals. Rider finished third and Ihté was fourth. Both Girls improved every match and continue to be an asset. Freshman Cyla Adams, and rookie Svea Hogan also continue to grow," said Baker.

The CMR Holiday Classic will be their final appearance on the mat in 2022, "Both teams looking forward to CMR this coming week, back to the room this Monday to build a battle plan and correct the mistakes. Girls fell just short of a team trophy this weekend. Hopeful to have my whole team back for this coming week."

The Wildcats and Lady Cats will return to the mat on January 5, 2023, at the Chester/J-I Mixer and then head to the Cut Bank Invitational on Friday and Saturday, January 6-7.