Hillcrest High School Wrestling 2025 Winter Recap: A Season of Growth and Grit with Coach Ian Moore
The 2025 winter wrestling season was one for the books at Hillcrest High School. Not necessarily because of championship banners or perfect records, but because of the remarkable growth, perseverance, and potential that unfolded under the leadership of Coach Ian Moore, who stepped into his first season as head coach of the girls wrestling team. With the largest team in school history and a roster filled with new faces and raw talent, the Hillcrest girls showed that success is measured not just by wins, but by progress, passion, and team unity.
A New Era Begins
“This was my first season as head coach,” said Coach Ian Moore. “The team was bigger than it has ever been. That presented some new challenges—but they were good challenges to have.”
More athletes meant more opportunity, but also more responsibility for a coach guiding a growing program. The increased team size demanded not only logistical adjustments but also an enhanced focus on individual development and team cohesion. From the start, Coach Moore prioritized building relationships, teaching fundamentals, and instilling confidence in a group that was eager to learn and compete.
Standout Performers: Heart, Hustle, and Determination
While Coach Moore emphasized that all the girls contributed significantly to the team's success, a few names stood out for their impact, work ethic, and leadership on and off the mat.
Scarlett Witte, a sophomore and two-time state qualifier, was one of the team’s fiercest competitors. “Scarlett shows intensity on the mat and in practice,” Moore said. “She sets the tone for others with her focus and energy.”
Among the standout freshmen were Brooklyn Harvey, Caitlin James, and Kennedy Vizcarra—each playing a key role in the team’s development. Caitlin, described as a hard-nosed worker, quietly built momentum. “She just puts her head down and goes to work,” said Moore, reflecting the no-nonsense attitude she brought to every session.
Kennedy Vizcarra earned praise for her positivity and attitude. “She has one of the best and most positive attitudes and was very coachable,” said Moore. Her upbeat demeanor helped balance the team’s spirit and made her a joy to coach.
The team’s lone senior, Morgan Going, brought something invaluable to the squad—perseverance. “Morgan showed determination, working and pushing through injuries,” Moore explained. Her resolve inspired teammates and set an example for the younger girls to follow.
Season Highlights: More Than Just Wins
For Coach Moore, the 2025 season was about more than just the scoreboard. One of his greatest joys came from watching wrestlers new to the sport find their footing and achieve their first victories. “Some of the highlights included seeing new to the sport wrestlers having success and winning matches,” he shared. Those first wins often feel like championships, especially for beginners, and they became symbols of what hard work and self-belief can accomplish.
When asked about defining moments, Moore offered a perspective rooted in relationships and growth rather than a single dramatic win or comeback. “I can’t say there were any ‘defining’ moments, just opportunities to grow and build relationships of trust,” he said.
That consistent, relationship-centered approach helped the team face adversity with maturity.
Rising to the Challenge
Wrestling is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports, and this season brought its share of challenges—from injuries and pressure situations to the grind of competition. Still, the Hillcrest team showed its resilience.
“For the most part, the team responded well to challenges,” said Coach Moore. “There were some tougher moments, but they figured it out.” That tenacity was echoed in the way every athlete grew into a bigger role over time. “They realized that to grow as an individual they had to help the team get better through working hard and having good attitudes.”
This team-first mentality set the tone for the season and created a supportive culture where progress was shared and celebrated.
A Senior’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
Although the team will graduate just one senior, Morgan Going, her legacy will be lasting. “The biggest thing Morgan brought was perseverance,” said Moore. That ability to keep going—through pain, pressure, or setbacks—is a trait that helped shape the team’s identity.
Looking ahead, Coach Moore is excited about what’s to come. “The girls ended the season with good attitudes and an increased sense of determination,” he said. That mindset is already propelling the team into offseason training, where the focus will shift to strength and conditioning, refining technique, and improving unity among the coaching staff and athletes.
“We’re looking to improve on strength and conditioning, technique, and being more unified as a coaching staff and team,” Moore added.
These offseason goals speak to a broader vision for the program—not just becoming more competitive, but creating a culture that supports growth, accountability, and sustained success.
Track the Progress
For those interested in diving into the season’s stats or tracking individual performances, the team’s data is available on Track Wrestling. There, fans can see match results, rankings, and tournament placements that capture the technical progress the team has made.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season at Hillcrest High School was a defining one—not because of singular victories or accolades, but because of what it laid the groundwork for. Under Coach Ian Moore’s leadership, the Hillcrest girls wrestling team embraced a culture of resilience, teamwork, and self-improvement.
From seasoned competitors like Scarlett Witte to spirited newcomers like Kennedy Vizcarra and dedicated leaders like Morgan Going, each athlete contributed to a season that was as much about personal growth as it was about wrestling.
As the mats are stored away and the offseason begins, Hillcrest can look forward to a future led by determined young athletes and a coach who believes in their potential—not just to win matches, but to build something lasting.
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