Kara Donegan, a senior at MSHS, won over 30 matches this year. As a freshman, Donegan only won about one match during the wrestling season.
This season, Donegan has competed in 51 matches and has won 36 of them. Head coach Paul Bonner has seen immense improvement compared to her freshman year, “ she has grown both in confidence and ability,” Bonner said.
Bonner, Donegan’s coach and Ceramics teacher, says that in class, Kara is calm and loves to laugh. But when it comes to competing, she flips a switch. “She becomes focused and competitive,” he said.
Bonner is constantly encouraging Donegan. “I am always in Kara’s corner,” he said. “I am constantly reminding her of her strengths and how good she is.”
Although wrestling is physically and mentally demanding, Donegan persists with a positive attitude. “I love competing, tournaments, and winning, ” she said. “I also love the sport itself and how hard and rewarding it is.”
Donegan says one of her biggest supporters is Bonner. “He pushed me, mentored me and overall helped me become the wrestler and person I am today,” she said.
Abby Reeves, Donegan’s friend and a wrestler herself, believes that Donegan is strong-willed and will do anything she puts her mind to. “I am so proud of her and grateful that she was my buddy through this entire journey,” she said.
Reeves remembers a time where Donegan had an amazing match. “At the Tri-peaks tournament, she faced opponents she’s previously lost to, and she won,” she said.
Donegan originally gained interest in wrestling from her siblings. “I joined in middle school and I just fell in love with it and continued it,” she said.
According to Reeves, Donegan has grown immensely throughout the years of MSHS wrestling. “She’s gone from someone hesitant and a little unsure of herself in wrestling,” Reeves said, “to someone who lets nothing stop her, never gives up, and still has a smile on her face.”
Donegan loves wrestling, along with every aspect in wrestling. “I absolutely adore all of my coaches, teammates, the family aspect and environment that comes with the sport,” she said.
According to Bonner, she is always there with a positive attitude and a lot of great ideas. “Kara is a natural leader and is not afraid to step up when something needs to get done,” he said.
Bonner can’t wait to see what she does in the future and is confident that Donegan will continue to learn and grow with whatever she does. “I know that she is going to go on to do great things,” he said. “I am really proud of her and it has been an honor to have been her coach and teacher.”
Reeves reminds Donegan that she is strong, and believes that people are more than their sport. “The outcome of these matches don’t define you as a person or as a wrestler,” she said.
