With both high expectations and a winning legacy on the line, Juniors Osmairi Medina Alvarado and Lily Blasius have stepped into big roles for the Lakes girls wrestling team. As co-captains, they are determined to lead their program to a third straight State Championship. These leaders see beyond those wins however, and recognize the importance of hard work, support, and belief in one another.
Both of these captains entered high school wrestling as beginners, looking up to upperclassmen who shaped the team’s identity. For Medina, former standout Ava Babbs set the example. Watching her compete at state and really push herself showed Medina what was possible. “That’s when I knew my goal was to make it to state” she said.
Blasius also gives credit to Babbs along with Olivia Heft for helping her through a tough Freshman season. “I lost a lot that year, but they always picked me up,” Blasius said. Blasius also mentioned last year’s captain and state champion, Josie Larson as a major influence. Blasius said, “Having Josie as our captain was really special. She was driven and talented but also supportive and compassionate. “She never made anyone feel inferior.” One of Lily’s favorite memories during wrestling was traveling with the entire team to state to cheer on Larson during her dominant run.
Team chemistry has evolved over the past three seasons. Medina described the 2024 team as “home” with upperclassmen constantly mentoring the younger wrestlers. While the team may place less often now, both captains noted that the competition has grown much tougher as girls wrestling continues to grow. The current roster at Lakes is the largest in program history and is bringing many new athletes into the sport. Medina tries to “be as supportive as possible” and recognizes “[underclassmen] could be looking up to them as role models.”
“Wrestling isn’t an easy sport, it comes with challenges and obstacles that you have to overcome by yourself,” Medina said.
Apart from being leaders and supporting the team the captians both have unfinished business this season. Medina aims to reach state after falling just short at sectionals in 2025, while Blasius is also determined to qualify after weight class challenges and injuries have set her back in the past. From a team standpoint they want to send as many wrestlers as possible to sectionals and state.
Both captains are working to bring the advanced mindset and physicality that defined the program at its peak into this season. However, the purpose behind their goals is beyond just placing at state. Medina and Blasius want to ensure the team’s culture continues after they graduate.
