This episode previews IKWF sectionals with a special focus on the girls' senior division, outlining the pressure, match dynamics, and what separates state qualifiers from the rest.

Coach Eddie Kohley joins host Lena to discuss maturity, mental toughness, coaching and parental support, key weights to watch, and how wrestlers can recover and refocus after a loss.

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New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)!

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We are a baby podcast with a huge mission, and we would love your help - share the success of Girls' wrestling in the State of Illinois. If you like what you see, leave us a review (we heard that it really helps), subscribe, and share our podcast with other wrestling families

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Want to be our guest? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/3CAjj1b6XcrgJA1v7. We are looking for insights from club and team coaches, expertise from industry experts, and inspiring stories from girls-wrestlers. You can also email us at ilgirlswrestling@gmail.com

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Looking for a club to join? Start your search at https://www.ikwf.org/clubs

Ready to learn more about USA Wrestling? https://www.themat.com/

Join the discussion in the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17hayuBGgw/

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok

See girls wrestling grow

• Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list
• Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list

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This episode explores the current state and future of girls wrestling in Illinois, covering growth trends, co-ops, sectional balance, and the possibility of splitting into 1A/2A divisions. Guests discuss fairness, best practices for co-ops, and how new programs (like ISA) could affect the high school pipeline.

The conversation emphasizes practical steps to increase participation, create fairer competition, and keep the sport accessible while rewarding athletes who put in the work, with encouragement for wrestlers, coaches, and families to stay engaged and patient as the sport evolves.

Chris Gochis is Kaneland High School Girls Wrestling Assistant Coach, Illinois MatWomen rankings contributor for IHSA girls wrestling, Illinois Girls Wrestling Rankings & Results Admin. Midwest Black Mambas Girls National Team Head Coach

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New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)!

----------

We are a baby podcast with a huge mission, and we would love your help - share the success of Girls' wrestling in the State of Illinois. If you like what you see, leave us a review (we heard that it really helps), subscribe, and share our podcast with other wrestling families

----------

Want to be our guest? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/3CAjj1b6XcrgJA1v7. We are looking for insights from club and team coaches, expertise from industry experts, and inspiring stories from girls-wrestlers. You can also email us at ilgirlswrestling@gmail.com

----------

Looking for a club to join? Start your search at https://www.ikwf.org/clubs

Ready to learn more about USA Wrestling? https://www.themat.com/

Join the discussion in the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17hayuBGgw/

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok

See girls wrestling grow

• Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list
• Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list

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The IHSA Girls Wrestling State Finals are here—and whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned wrestling family, State weekend can feel big. In this episode of the Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast, host Lena Burkut is joined by Michael James Hamilton for a full Girls State Preview—including how the weekend works, what wrestlebacks mean, what to watch for in real time, and State predictions.

We cover State 101 in plain language (tournament flow, session mindset, wrestlebacks), what makes State different (pace, pressure, edge awareness, mat IQ), and the small moments that decide matches. Then we close with bracket-based storylines and predictions—what to expect, where matchups get tricky, and which factors could swing podium runs. Plus: a practical tournament-day checklist for athletes and parents—warm-up rhythm, staying warm between matches, and what to say (and not say) after a match.

Coach Mike Hamilton is a father of 4 daughters, 3 of them have or are currently wrestle at college. He is also a coach with 12 years of experience and is currently coaching at the Compound in Chenoa, IL

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New episode every Wednesday (this is a plan)!

----------

We are a baby podcast with a huge mission, and we would love your help - share the success of Girls' wrestling in the State of Illinois. If you like what you see, leave us a review (we heard that it really helps), subscribe, and share our podcast with other wrestling families

----------

Want to be our guest? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/3CAjj1b6XcrgJA1v7. We are looking for insights from club and team coaches, expertise from industry experts, and inspiring stories from girls-wrestlers. You can also email us at ilgirlswrestling@gmail.com

----------

Looking for a club to join? Start your search at https://www.ikwf.org/clubs

Ready to learn more about USA Wrestling? https://www.themat.com/

Join the discussion in the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17hayuBGgw/

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok

See girls wrestling grow

• Flow Wrestling 2024-25 commitment list
• Flow Wrestling 2025-26 commitment list

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