January 10th, 2026, arrived with the kind of nervous energy that buzzed through the halls long before sunrise. The Lady Braves stepped onto the bus half-awake but fully wired, duffel bags slung over shoulders and headphones tucked in ears. Millville, Utah awaited — along with one of the toughest tournaments of their season.
By the time they entered the gym, the atmosphere was electric. Whistles echoed, shoes squeaked against the mats, and the crowd hummed with anticipation. Every wrestler knew this was more than just another competition. It was a test of grit, preparation, and heart.
Freshman Sophia Bauer stood near the mat, absorbing everything. The noise, the lights, the intensity — it was all new, yet strangely thrilling.
“It was a really good experience,” Bauer later reflected. “The competition was tough, but it was fun and helped me improve a lot. Utah was nice, and the whole tournament was pretty exciting.”
Match after match, the Lady Braves battled. Some victories came quickly, others demanded every ounce of strength. Teammates cheered relentlessly from the sidelines, their voices rising above the chaos.
For Afton Hunting, the day became unforgettable.
“The tournament was a blast,” Afton said with a grin, “especially because I took first in my bracket!! That was such a joyful and learning experience.”
But for her, winning wasn’t the only highlight.
“It was amazing to see some of my hard work pay off,” she continued. “It was also a blast because of the support from the teammates and watching how much they have grown.”
Between matches, the team gathered — celebrating wins, shaking off losses, and lifting each other up. No one stood alone.
As the day drew to a close, the gym’s energy sharpened for the final matches. The Lady Braves crowded together, eyes locked on the mat.
“I also really enjoyed watching the final matches of Brooke, Carlee, and Cara!” Afton added.
In those moments, medals and brackets faded into the background. What mattered was the effort, the progress, and the bond forged through shared struggle.
