Womenıs Wrestling
2008-09 Season Preview

FOREST GROVE ­ As has often been the case in the seven years of the Pacific womenıs wrestling program, everything is new again.

And that may not be a bad thing, as the Boxer seem to thrive amidst changing circumstances. Last year, the Boxers fared well as members of the first year National Collegiate Wrestling Associationıs womenıs division, finishing second at their first national tournament. A total of eight Pacific wrestlers were named All-Americans despite changing from their familiar freestyle to the folkstyle of the national tournament.

This year, things have changed against. Scott Miller has retired and Severin Walsh has taken over as head coach. The Boxers saw four of their All-Americans depart. One thing has not changed, however, is the teamıs commitment and expectation to compete for a national title.

³I try to talk about it every couple of days,² Walsh said. ³They were one point away from a national championship last year. It burns for the returning girls. I donıt want them to focus on that all of the time, but at the same time I donıt want them to forget how close they were to becoming national champs and want them to know its attainable.²

Walsh will reap the benefits of a roster filled with returners. Nine wrestlers are back from last yearıs team, including four All-Americans. They have provided the stability Walsh was looking for to make a smooth transition in the first few weeks of the season.

They have also provided the right attitude that should allow the Boxers to compete for that NCWA championship once again. ³They have great attitudes,² Walsh said. ³For the most part, everyone wants to be there and they want to get better. I respond to that as a coach. If they want to get better and their action and body language show that, then that gets me fired up and makes me want to help them.²

THE WRESTLERS

A pair of wrestlers who finished just short of winning national championships will anchor the Boxers. Alenna Nilsen (Sr. Petersburg, Alaska) was unable to wrestle until last yearıs national tournament, but was unphased by the lack of competition. Nilsen finished with a 3-1 record in the 59-kilogram weight class and finished as NCWA runner-up to Simon Fraserıs Rita Pare.

Walsh said that Nilsenıs work ethic has inspired her teammates, both male and female, and expects a great deal from her. ³She is not just a leader for the girls, but for the whole team,² Walsh said. ³The example that she sets in her work ethic and attitude is everything that I want out of our kids. She sets high standards for herself and encourages others to go with her.²

Jade Anderson (So., Simi Valley, Calif.) also returns after a near miss as the national title at 67 kilograms. Anderson adjusted well to competing in both the freestyle and folkstyle disciplines, compiling a 5-8 record on the freestyle mats and 3-6 in limited folkstyle action. ³Jade is a very good athlete,² Walsh said. ³If she can put things together physically and mentally, she will be a national champion.²

Like Nilsen, Summer Scott (Sr., Castro Valley, Calif.) was unable to join the team until January, but still found herself earning All-American honors at 55 kilograms. While Scott made up for just missing out on becoming an All-American as a sophomore, Scott will aim to add a national title to her resume. ³She is primed and ready to go,² Walsh said. ³I look for her to be a national champion.²

Summer Steenberg (So., Kent, Wash.) got through taking some freshman lumps to be a factor for the Boxers at the national tournament, finishing third in the 59-kilogram class to earn All-American distinction. ³It is a pleasure to work with her,² Walsh said. ³She is a solid student and a solid athlete. She does everything that we ask and sheıs not afraid to get physical.²

Ariella Ing (So., Haleiwa, Hawaii) returns to the team after seeing limited action as a freshman. Ing competed in just four matches, all at the beginning of the year.

Adding to the Boxersı depth are a quartet wrestlers who did not make it to the mat last year. Kisha Milfort (Jr., Miami, Fla.) did not compete after seeing limited action as a freshman. Walsh believes that the Miami native, who put in a solid summer of training, could be one of the surprises on the mat thanks to her work ethic. She is expected to compete primarily at the 72-kilogram and 80-kilogram classes. ³She works her tail off every day,² Walsh said. ³She is one of the hardest workers in the room and she canıt help but to improve with her attitude and work ethic.²

Rebecca Hoffman (So., La Mirada, Calif.) also did not get on the mat in 2007-08, but appears ready to make contributions at 72 kilograms. ³Rebecca is a great kid. She does everything we ask,² Walsh said. ³If she stays healthy, she will improve this year.²

Sarah Aoki (So., Honolulu, Hawaii) returns to help the Boxersı efforts at 55 kilograms, while Kara Stevens (Jr., St. Louis, Mo.) is expected to make her long awaited debut after missing her first two seasons with a medical condition.

While the Boxers feature just two newcomers, Walsh believes that both will be immediate impact wrestlers. Caronne Rozet (Fr., Pukalani, Hawaii) was the 2008 Hawaii high school state champion at 108 pounds, leading Kamehameha-Maui to a sixth place finish at the state meet. A versatile athlete, Roset was also a two-time Hawaii state runner-up in track in the 1,500 meters. ³Caronne is a very strong girl physically and a good all-around athlete,² Walsh said. ³She has a bright future ahead of her.²

Tara Miller (Fr., Mill Creek, Wash.) also brings state championship credentials after finishing runner-up at 103 pounds at the 2007 Washington state championships. She posted an undefeated record as a senior, but did not participate in the 2008 state meet. ³Tara is scrappy,² Walsh said. ³She gets after it really well. When she wrestles, there isnıt a situation that she can or canıt get out of because she is a solid athlete.²

Pacific will open their season on Sat., Oct. 25, in Tempe, Ariz., as they take part in the Sunkist Kids International Tournament. The 2008-09 Boxers will make their home debut on Sun., Nov. 16, at the Mike Clock Open tournament.