Senior Cree Stewart has played many sports at Lawrence High, being involved in both the girls’ soccer and basketball team.

This winter, she took on a new leadership role, becoming the co-captain of the recently established girl’s wrestling team. 

“It’s fun being a part of a new program basically learning everything because it is everybody’s first year…” Stewart said. “It’s just like really learning the basics, so it has been fun.” 

Stewart has found wrestling to be different from the other sports she’s played. 

“You really just have to put yourself in the mentality that it’s either you or that person that goes to the mat,” Stewart said. 

Teammates of Stewart have found her to be very caring and supportive. 

“When you’re upset or stressed, she will always be there with her life stories and just will cheer you up,” junior Zuzia Gratkowka said. “She is literally one of the best captains I ever had.” 

Stewart went into the late stages of the season with a winning record and a shot at competing at state. She finished 11-14 without a shot at the state tournament.

Although wrestling was physically tough, Stewart said she enjoyed competing in the sport. 

“It’s definitely physical just having to go from a duel or meet back to practice then to another meet is super physically taxing, but it’s worth it,” Stewart said.

First-year LHS girls’ wrestling coach, Carl Springer, was hopeful about the team, and excited to build the program in coming years. Springer in particular has enjoyed coaching Stewart. 

“She’s been great,” he said. “She is athletic and aggressive so that takes her far. She has learned a lot about herself in tough moments which I love about wrestling.”