We’re building something special here, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Head coach Tim Haneberg

Hastings High School’s girls wrestling program is making waves across Minnesota, growing rapidly and achieving success both on and off the mat. Head coach Tim Haneberg is brimming with excitement as he reflects on the program’s journey and its bright future.
“Our girls’ program has just grown and grown,” Haneberg shared. “When we started a few years ago, we had just six girls. Now, we have over 35. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come.”
The program’s beginnings were modest but promising. Among the original six wrestlers, four are still part of the team, including Allison Weinzettel, Josie Giangiacomo, Amelia Miller and Annabelle Norquist. Haneberg also highlighted former team member Alicia Brown, who returned as a coach. “Alicia is in her third-year coaching, and she’s been phenomenal. Her energy and passion for the sport are inspiring.”
The sixth member of that list of the founding members of the girls’ team is Skylar Little Soldier who, along with Brown, graduated out of the program. Little Soldier was the first female to join the team wresting with the boys and winning many matches. She now wrestles at Grand Valley State in Michigan as part of their inaugural team.
This year’s roster includes about 20 middle school athletes and 10-15 new wrestlers. Haneberg is especially proud of the coaching staff’s dedication to nurturing this talent. In addition to Brown, other key staff include Angie McLay, now in her second year, and student coach Gavin Hanson, who overcame personal setbacks to mentor first-year wrestlers.
“Gavin blew out her ACL twice during her high school career but didn’t let that stop her,” Haneberg said. “She’s been incredible with our seventh, eighth, and ninth graders.”
The team also benefits from the expertise of George Lynaugh, a two-time state champion from Simley, and several dedicated alumni, including Paul Kendall and Rico Cooper. Legendary coach Paul Vaith, a staple in Hastings wrestling since the 1980s, rounds out the exceptional staff.
Rapid Growth and Competitive Opportunities
As the program has expanded, so have the girls’ opportunities to compete. In the early days, girls had limited matches because their schedule was tied to the boys’ events. “Now, we’ve added eight additional events for the girls,” Haneberg explained. “This year, we’ve competed in big tournaments at Hopkins, Champlin Park, Eden Prairie, and Pine Island.”
Building Skills and Camaraderie
For new wrestlers, the focus starts with fundamentals. “We teach stance, motion, how to take a shot, and how to sprawl,” Haneberg said. “Then we move into key moves like the single leg and front headlock. Within two weeks, these girls are competing, and they’ve been picking it up so quickly.”
With so many athletes vying for spots in 13 weight classes, healthy competition within the team has become a driving force. “Having wrestle-offs for varsity spots is great for our program,” Haneberg noted. “It pushes everyone to improve.”
The Future of Girls Wrestling
While the Minnesota State High School League has yet to officially sanction a team state tournament for girls, Haneberg is optimistic. “I’d say we’re one to two years away,” he predicted. “The boys and girls programs are helping each other grow, and the future is bright for both.”
As the Hastings girls wrestling program continues to flourish, its success serves as a testament to the hard work of athletes, coaches, and the community. Haneberg’s vision is clear: “We’re building something special here, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
The future is quickly approaching, the girls team participated in the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association State Dual meet where they placed third overall. See page 12 for the full story.