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The Iowa Central women's wrestling program embarks on year No. 2 this winter led by a strong group of returning standouts.
Add in several key freshman, including former Fort Dodge Senior High state champion Alexis Ross, and head coach Zak Hensley is anxious to get the season going.
Several Triton wrestlers earned spots in the preseason poll with Maranda Bell the top-ranked 197-pounder. Emma Lewis, Diana Pineda, Bronwyn Brenneman and Hadlie Hood are all ranked second with Ross, Kammie Schanz and Kailyn Younger checking in at No. 3.
Rodiat Adeduntan is fourth, Aniya Dinwiddie is fifth, Myah Rousch is sixth and Anna Sondall is seventh.
"The main goal is to keep everyone healthy and have a great experience," Hensley said. "You're always looking toward that national championship at the end. If we work hard and get better every day, we will have reached our goal as a team and a staff."
Hensley, a former Iowa Central standout himself, is assisted by 2002 national champion Keaton Geerts.
The Tritons are ranked second in the nation behind ICCAC rival Indian Hills.
Ross, who placed all four years as a high school wrestler at state, is among those Hensley was "happy to keep at home."
"We are excited to have Alexis," he said. "She is a Dodger and we look forward to what she can do on the mat.
"Our first year wrestlers are a very smart, talented group of kids."
The Tritons open their home dual season on Wednesday when they host North Iowa Area inside Hodges Fieldhouse at 6 p.m.
2023-24 IOWA CENTRAL WOMEN'S WRESTLING
Roster
Rodiat Adeduntan, Minnesota; Princess Altsisi, New Mexico; Briana Araujo Batista, Louisiana; Rhonda Faye, Wyoming; Maranda Bell, Kansas; Bronwyn Brenneman, Parnell; Isabella Canada, Walnut; Aniyah Dinwiddie, Arkansas; Cynthia Ellis, Ames; Olivia Fausnaugh, Clear Lake.
Hadlie Hood, Utah; Emma Lewis, Missouri; Eavenly Nielsen, North Liberty; Dianna Pineda, Florida; Myah Rausch, North Liberty; Avery Reyes, Arizona; Alexis Ross, Fort Dodge; Rose Rother, Sheffield; Kammie Schanz, Kansas; Anna Sondall, Boone; Dakota Whitman, Independence; Kailyn Younger, Kansas.
Schedule
Nov. 8 -- NIACC; 11 -- at Luther Open; 15 -- at Iowa Lakes; 17-18 -- at Missouri Valley Open; 29 -- Indian Hills.
Dec. 10 -- at NCC Open.
Jan. 7 -- at Bronco Open; 18 -- at Iowa Western; 25 -- Ellsworth; 31 -- at NIACC.
Feb. 3 -- at Grand View Invitational; 10 -- at Warrior Open; 11 -- at district championship.
March 1-2 -- at NJCAA Championships in Council Bluffs.