Recent wins have boosted Humboldt sophomore Willow LaCrone’s confidence in the run-up to her second run at a state wrestling title.
LaCrone’s state run in 2025 was cut short with a pair of losses in the 170 lb. weight class.
This year, she’s leaner, more experienced and more confident after winning the Silver Lake regional last weekend.
Iola Register readers voted LaCrone as January’s Athlete of the Month.
“Once you’ve been there, you know what to do and what to expect,” LaCrone said. “I was in a different weight class last year, so it’s going to be a little bit different, but I generally know what to expect.”
Despite sporting a 26-6 record, LaCrone remains unranked by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association. Her unranked status may not last long after she made a dark-horse run through her regional bracket. With workmanlike efficiency, she spent less than 5 minutes on the mat with a trio of pins.
“I was just trying my hardest to make sure I got qualified,” LaCrone said. “Usually, I don’t spend much time on the mat. Beating a ranked opponent in 3-1A helped boost my confidence.”
The KWSA voters may not be entirely to blame for labeling LaCrone as candidate for a Cinderella run at state. Before January, LaCrone did not show her full potential. It’s only been in the past few weeks that she’s gained notice, including her performance at the Fredonia Invitational.
“I just got into the groove with wrestling,” LaCrone said. “As a freshman, nobody knows what they’re doing. At the beginning of their sophomore year it’s the same thing. You hit a certain point where you just know what you’re doing.”
LaCrone credits her success to her coaches and teammates, specifically senior Savannah Koch. Getting to spar with Koch, 190 lbs., and who took third at regionals, provided critical experience.
“You start to build up a tolerance,” LaCrone said. “Once you get used to wrestling someone heavier than you and you step down to your weight class, it’s a breeze.”
As a two-time state qualifier and regional champion, LaCrone said Humboldt locals are starting to notice her. LaCrone said she hopes to reward their attention not only with success on the mat but as a role model for the next generation of Humboldt wrestlers.
“I didn’t think that many people knew what I was doing and who I am,” LaCrone said. “It’s really exciting knowing my name is getting out there. Especially in Humboldt, wrestling is not a huge sport but it’s an amazing sport. I feel like all of the little girls out there should be pushing themselves to get to where I am today.”
