By Tanya Garcia | Lansing News Wire
Lansing New Wire had a chance to catch up with Morgan Barkman, Dewitt High’s sophomore wrestler in the 105 pound division. Here is what she had to say about her wrestling experience in Meet the Lady Panthers Q&A:
Q: What inspired you to start wrestling?
A: My twin brother was always beating me up so I wanted to beat him back.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in wrestling?
A: My captains, Jamie, Ryleigh, and Eliana have been my biggest influences in wrestling.
Q: What do you love most about wrestling?
A: I love the team spirit of the girls team.
Q: What does a typical week of training look like for you?
A: Practice Monday-Friday with some extra wrestling practices and trips to the gym.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in wrestling?
A: The biggest challenge I’ve faced in wrestling has been cutting weight to make 100.
Q: Can you describe your first match? How did you feel?
A: During my first match, I felt unstoppable and like I could do anything I had my mind set on.
Q: What has been your proudest moment in wrestling so far?
A: My proudest moment in wrestling so far was getting 3rd place at the Howell tournament with some tough competition.
Q: How does it feel to be back with the team this season, what are your individual and team expectations?
A: It feels amazing to be back with the team this season. My team expectations are to support each other and do the best teammates to each other that we can be. My individual expectations are to impress myself more than I ever thought I could.
Q: How has being a student-athlete helped you grow as a person?
A: Being a student-athlete has helped me learn how to time manage.
Q: What does it mean to you to represent your school as a student-athlete?
A: It is very important to me that I get to represent my school as a student-athlete, and I pride myself on making my school and team proud.
Q: What lessons have you learned through wrestling that apply to your life outside the sport?
A: A lesson that I have learned from wrestling is to be patient. Slow and steady wins the race.
Q: How would you describe the strengths and overall dynamic of your wrestling team?
A: My girls wrestling team is made up of the strongest people I know. I have not seen people stick up for each other and pull each other up like I have with my girls wrestling team.
Q: What’s your coach’s name and share one piece of advice from your coach that has stuck with you?
A: Brian Byars: Relax, don’t get in your head
Q: What’s one thing you admire most about your coach’s leadership style?
A: I admire how my coach tells it like it is and is always my biggest supporter. Even though he gives us hard practices, he knows that we can handle it and will always be there for us.
Q: What advice would you give to others who want to start wrestling?
A: Don’t expect everything to happen for you right away. Work on what you need to and build up piece by piece.
Q: What’s your signature wrestling move, and does it have a cool name?
A: My signature wrestling move is the cradle.
Q: Have you ever had a match where something hilarious or unexpected happened? What was it?
A: I wrestled a guy who seemed to know what he was doing, but a minute into the match I had him pinned and his entire team was going crazy.
Q: If your team had a karaoke night, who would steal the show, and what song would they sing?
A: Jamie would sing any kind of country.
Q: If you could wrestle any celebrity, who would it be, and why?
A: Hugh Jackman because he’s hot.
Q: If wrestling had walkout music like boxing or MMA, what would your theme song be?
A: Thunderstruck-AC/DC
Q: What is your favorite classroom subject?
A: English
Q: What is your dream school/university?
A: University of Michigan
Q: What is your favorite place to go eat?
A: I love Chick Fil A.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: The Virgin Islands
Q: What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of sports?
A: I enjoy swimming.
LARRY ARREGUIN 
Raul Garcia