Layla Kuhnert DWHS State Qualifier

By Jayden Owen

March 4, 2024

Layla Kuhnert, DWHS freshman, qualified for state wrestling as a freshman and her first year to ever wrestle. Layla was convinced to wrestle because Jayden Owen wrestled in junior high and Layla thought she was going out this year. She also did it because no one thought she would do it, so she wanted to prove everyone wrong. 

Practices for Layla were eventful. She had a lot of fun at practices. Even though they would always joke around and laugh, they always got a stuff done. At practices they would run for 5 minutes, work on any moves they wanted to work on, and do live matches and switch with everyone on the team. Practicing with the guys was easy sometimes because they were more gentle with her because they were scared to hurt her. She wishes they were harder on her to make her a better wrestler. As a female wrestler Layla had fun and thinks she was more respected and treated equal to the guys instead of being treated like a girl.

Layla’s favorite move was the stand up Peterson but she used the bar and half Nelson the most. Her record was 14-5. At regionals Layla was more scared than she was at state. It was loud and she put a lot of pressure on herself because that was her way to get to state. Layla said, “To be a good wrestler you have to know your position on the mat, have respect for your opponent, but don’t fear them, and be confident in your abilities.”

It took Layla a lot of determination, practice, and listening to coaches to get to state. She was scared, excited, and nervous going into state. When Layla stepped on the mat to wrestle she told herself, “Wrestle like you normally do and listen to the coaches.” Layla went 1-2, but made it to day two.

Layla’s favorite part of wrestling was winning most of her matches and improving. She also enjoyed spending time with her teammates. Her least favorite part of wrestling was monkey rolls, which is basically braiding hair but with people instead of hair.

She plans to wrestle next year and hopes more people will support them. She thinks the more supporters they have will help with her and her teammates’ confidence. Over the summer Layla plans to lift weights, eat better, and condition.

Layla’s coach, Travis Owen, said he was happy and proud of Layla for making it to state. “She was a joy to coach,” said Travis. He thinks it's easier to coach boys because they have more drive and attention for the most part.