On February 3, 2024 at IHSA Girls Wrestling Regionals juniors Viola Pianetto and Elanie Taboada qualified for the IHSA Girls Wrestling Sectional at Shamburg. With Pianetto placing 2nd at 130 lbs and Taboada placing 4th at 100 lbs, both girls are extremely proud of their achievements and are continuing this positive attitude into sectionals. 

“I felt very accomplished and I was really happy because I had [Taboada] that I was going to sectionals with,” Pianetto said. “Going into sectionals with another girl makes it feel less lonely.”

These past two weeks the girls’ coach, John Bassler, has been helping them prepare for sectionals in a variety of ways.

“[Pianetto and Taboada] are getting one-on-one attention this week just to kind of get them ready [and] get them different looks,” Bassler said. “Every wrestler brings up a unique style so [Pianetto and Taboada] are getting exposed to different styles so that they’re prepared [for] this weekend.”

Taboada mentions how she’s been mentally preparing herself these past weeks by maintaining a positive mindset. 

Similar to Taboada, Pianetto has been practicing visualizing her matches. Pianetto also practices writing down her goals while preparing with conditioning for her matches. 

The past couple of practices Bassler has stressed the idea that, “sectional records mean nothing” and that, “it’s all about you.”

“Anyone can win on any mats,” Bassler said. “You could catch a good kid [or] you can lose to a bad kid so you just have to make sure that you’re confident in your work ethic.”

Since the girls’ wrestling program is in its inaugural season, many girls like Pianetto and Taboada are just focusing on putting their best effort into every match. 

“When I qualified I was surprised and felt well accomplished,” Taboada said. “But it’s just the start and I still have a lot to learn.”

Bassler is very proud of Pianetto and Taboada. He describes how they both exceeded his expectations and that, “their journey is not over.”

This weekend both girls’ have the goal to qualify for state, but say they’ll be happy if they qualify or not. 

“[The] first year for a lot of wrestlers should not be so concerned about winning,” Pianetto said. “It should be about having fun and enjoying the sport.”