Hannah Sjostrom is a strong force in JHS wrestling

Dec. 23—JAMESTOWN — When it comes to speaking one’s mind, Hannah Sjostrom might be pinned as the least likely suspect.

Unless she’s at Jamestown High School’s wrestling room.

“She can get on the girls in the room — she’s a great leader and a great captain and she brings that with her out on the mat,” JHS girls head wrestling coach James Meland said.

Sjostrom is one among four high school seniors that signed up for girls wrestling’s second year. While the sport is just in its second season of sanctioning by North Dakota High School Activities Associations (NDHSAA), athletes like Sjostrom and teams like Jays have made significant strides since last year.

Sjostrom stated that “my season has been going quite well so far” and that he can see the improvements he’s made since last year, when he first began. “My goals this season are to continue learning and growing and to wrestle the best I can.”

Sjostrom placed third in the 190-pound bracket at the first-ever North Dakota High School Activities Association-sanctioned state meet in February.

After finishing her junior prep season Sjostrom was contacted USA Wrestling of North Dakota (USAWND), and asked if she would be interested in competing for the girls team this summer.

The North Dakota girls wrestled in the USA Wrestling Junior National Duals, which took place in Tulsa (OK) in June. The yellow-green bracket saw the team finish second. The bracket was contested by five states. Team ND defeated Pennsylvania (TN), Michigan, and North Carolina.

Sjostrom was 7-1 in Tulsa by himself.

Sjostrom stated, “I learned a lot about wrestling this summer. I made new friends and have learned a whole new style that has helped me understand the sport.”

Meland stated that Sjostrom’s participation in Team North Dakota helped her prepare for her second prep season. She learned the basics of freestyle wrestling and the Greco style, which gave her the skills she needed to possibly claim a state title.

Meland stated that Meland “picks up moves quickly.” She is just two years old, and she was third in the state last year. It takes years to master moves, but she has it figured out.

He said that she started as a head-locker, but that got her in trouble. Now, she can do singles with a decent high-crotch. She is just increasing her skills and can do many different styles of wrestling, which is great for her.

Sjostrom’s physicality has also been a key factor in her success. Sjostrom, a senior, was a basketball player for many years before she made the decision to wrestle. She is also able to defend Blue Jay soccer teams. Sjostrom trains at Two Rivers Activity Center during the rest of the year and is usually busy with her two sports.

Meland stated that Meland was confident. Meland said that she is determined to learn more, and she works hard every day to improve her skills. Her success in wrestling has been made possible by the strength she’s gained from her other sports.

Sjostrom kicked off her season by beating Des Lacs Burington’s Leah Burdett to win the championship match at Jamestown’s annual Knights of Columbus Tournament. She then finished second at the Grand Forks Sertoma Tournament, Dec. 10, losing to Legacy’s Phoenix Lindseth in the 1:04 mark.

Sjostrom currently stands at 0-1 after falling against Cambree, a Bismarck High student, on December 8. Next dual for the Blue Jays is set for December 27 at Turtle Mountain.

Meland said that she lost one girl to Meland. We need to improve our outside shots and avoid the headlock, but she knows what she should do.

Meland stated, “I expect great things from her.” Meland said that she doesn’t believe her high school wrestling career will end. She’s got the opportunity to wrestle in college, I believe. She’ll accomplish great things.”

Sjostrom stated that she plans to wrestle collegiately, but she hasn’t made any final decisions as of Dec. 29. The Jays would be responsible to produce two college-level female wrestlers if she decides to continue her career. Jamestown’s Meghan Lee, a JHS Class of 20022 graduate, is currently wrestling at the University of Jamestown.

Sjostrom stated that the girls’ wrestling program has grown a lot since last year. He was happy to see many new faces on the first day of practice, and even more pleased to see that most of them stayed around for the second week. “I am proud of how hard each of them works in practice and how hard their matches go. They all put their hearts and souls into learning and growing.

For a total of 22 girl wrestlers, the Jays welcomed 14 new members to their roster. Sjostrom helped Meland improve the Blue Jays squad throughout the season, despite some growing pains.

That’s what captains do — they better themselves and the team.

Meland stated, “She is helping all the other girls learn fast.” “Having someone in the room who is at her level and has the same technique she uses has been a huge help to our team.”