As the wrestling offseason continues for the Russellville Panthers, the program is hard at work preparing for the upcoming season later this fall. One wrestler in particular for the program to look out for this season is Brooklyn Lynch. Lynch is entering her junior season, but due to injuries, staying on the mat has been a challenge the past two seasons. With plenty of rehabbing and work in the offseason, Lynch looks to return to the mat healthy this season. Lynch is one of the few remaining members from the start of the program two years ago, as she looks to be a leader moving forward this season and next.
“What first interested me in wrestling and wanting to join the family Russellville wrestling had built was when I watched a practice for my brother and was itching to get on the mat before being told to go out there and give it a shot by the coaches. After that first practice, I was hooked with a love and passion for the sport. Ever since that night, this sport has been my passion and has shown me a drive for learning and understanding I didn’t know I had,” Lynch said when talking about what made her want to be a part of the program.
Lynch gets to compete with her brother, Noah Lynch, as she mentioned it helps both of them stay committed: “Being able to compete alongside my brother is a blessing and an opportunity I’m beyond grateful to have. I feel as if I am a mentor to him in helping him learn and not give up on it, but at the same time he is a mentor to me in not allowing me to give up and pushing me to do better.”
Talking with Lynch about her challenging season last year with injury, she is ready to be able to compete again this year. “I’m excited to be back on the mat this season and see what it has to bring after missing over half of last season,” she said. “It has taken determination to not let the injury define me and to make sure I take the time to heal before stepping back onto the mat.”
Lynch also detailed her decision to focus on healing last year instead of the possibility of a reaggravated injury. “Going through the healing process took me understanding my limits and making the hard decision to take the step back before I made it worse. When I was working through the injury, I was still partially working with the team and it was difficult because I wanted to be working with them on the mat and off, but they supported me and the decision to heal before coming back.” Lynch returns this season to compete in the 114-weight class, but the possibility to move up to the 120-weight class remains strong with plenty of workouts before the season.
As Lynch hopes to have a complete season, she advocates for others to join the sport. “I would highly encourage other kids to try wrestling and consider joining,” said Lynch. “Wrestling is the only sport that is going to push you beyond what you think you can do and show you what you’re truly capable of doing. Wrestling brings a discipline to you that you’re not going to get from just anywhere. It puts a whole new meaning to the definition of a sports family. It brings the team together to cheer each other on and help each other learn.”
Every wrestler has their motivation, as Lynch pointed out what drives her to compete: “My number one motivation is God. He continuously gives me the strength to compete and guides me through the challenges,” Lynch said. “The second part of my motivation comes from my family and that includes my team past and present. I wouldn’t be who or where I am today without them. Having the ability to prove to myself and other young women that they can face the challenges, work through them, and be able to learn and get back up each time no matter the outcome is what inspires me.”
After a couple of challenging seasons with missing time, Lynch hopes to have a strong year in her junior season on the mat.
Wes Elrod can be reached by emailing wpechagolla@gmail.com.