Girls Athlete of the Week: DeLand wrestler Hope Dargan

DeLand sophomore Hope Dargan won a state wrestling title in the 97-pound weight class last weekend in Kissimmee.

News-Journal / Peter Bauer
Last Modified: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 5:10 p.m.


DeLand wrestling

Credentials: The sophomore won the 97-pound class at the “Girls States” wrestling tournament Saturday at Kissimmee Liberty. She beat defending state champion Korynna Gacad from Cape Coral Ida Baker 5-4 in the final. Last year, she lost to Gacad in the first round before rallying to take third place.

So, how does it feel to be a state champion?

“I don't know. For me it doesn't feel any different yet. Other people are more excited than I am about it. I know compared to guys' states and the level they compete at, I know girls' states is not as big.”

How did it feel to beat Gacad to win it?

“I was kind of surprised. As soon as I hit the ‘Peterson' (a wrestling move) in the second period and got ahead (in points), I knew she wouldn't be able to turn me and get some back points.”

Are you using your state title to motivate the boys on the team?

“Yeah. There's especially one guy on our team (Christian Lohsen), we call him ‘Hollywood,' who has a chance to do something and place at state. I hope my winning can help him place high at states.”

Who got you started in wrestling?

“Coach (Jason) Baker. He opened a middle-school club at DeLand Middle School, and I decided to try it one day because I didn't want to be a couch potato. I really like it.”

What other sports do you like?

“I also do track. I run long distances.”

Are you going to run cross country?

“I have marching band in the fall.”

Think you'll wrestle more in the future, like in college?

“I wouldn't say I'd pick a college based on it having a girls wrestling team, but if I went to one where they had girls wrestling I would like that.”

ALSO NOMINATED: Ashley Folsom, Father Lopez basketball; Tyisha Moore, DeLand basketball; Ronni Williams, Atlantic basketball


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