Newton wrestlers Kylee Adams and Ashlynn VanManen begin their run at the Girls State Wrestling Tournament in Des Moines today against higher seeds. 

At 110 pounds, Adams will take on #4 Brooklyn Derocher of LeMars. Adams is seeded #13, and made the state tournament with a second place finish at the Class 2A Region 8 State Qualifying Meet at Waverly-Shell Rock. She’s confident she can perform well at the State Tournament.

“I just know my first match is going to be pretty tough. She’s seeded fourth. But I still have faith in myself.”

VanManen won the 235 pound weight class at the Class 2A Regional, and earned the #10 seed at State. Her first round opponent is #7 Sage Dzeladni of North Scott. As a senior, VanManen is aiming to make her last State Wrestling Tournament memorable.

“I got hopes. But I am just going to go out there and leave everything on the mat and see how I do.”

The Girls State Wrestling Tournament starts at 10:00 am today and KNIA/KRLS will have live updates throughout the tournament today and tomorrow. You can find the full interview with Kylee Adams and Ashlyn VanManen here.