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Holly Haritan

01-07-00 in the Orlando Sentinel

Haritan, a pioneer of sorts, has been wrestling for the girls wrestling
team at Lyman for three seasons. Her record is 36-0.

``When I was a sophomore, a lot of friends wanted me to go out for
wrestling,'' said Haritan. ``I lift weights, so I figured, why not? Now I
can't tell you how happy I am that I did it. I love wrestling.''

In March 1999, Haritan went to Michigan to wrestle in a national
championship tournament. She won four of six matches and placed fifth.

``You just get a real rush when you're out there, and when you win, it's
a great feeling,'' she said. ``It's so hard to describe, but believe me,
it's real.''

Haritan likes wrestling so much, she wants to continue in college,
hopefully at Kentucky's Cumberland College.

``They have a girls' wrestling program, and I've talked to the coach,''
said Haritan. ``I'm excited about going there. I think it will be a lot of
fun.''

While in college, Haritan plans on majoring in sports medicine or some
other sports-related field.

She won't be the first wrestler at the school who is female, and she
won't have to practice against the men.

``It was kind of weird at first, having to wrestle boys in high school
practice,'' she said. ``They are great, though. As long as the girls work
hard, there's no problem. But the boys won't let you slack off.''

Besides playing sports, I like to: Hang out with friends.
Team for which I would most like to play: The Cumberland College girls
wrestling team.
My friends' nickname for me: The Hollinator.
My most recent accomplishment: Being named homecoming queen
My family is: Very supportive of everything I do.
My favorite food is: Steak
My favorite junk food is: Gummy Bears and just about every other kind of
junk food.
Famous person I'd have over for dinner is: Gabrielle Reece.
When I'm 30, I'll be: A girls' wrestling coach, with - hopefully - a
wrestling recreation center.
Students are not concerned enough about: Their grades.
My favorite subject in school: History or English.
My least favorite subject in school: Math.
My favorite music: Country
Favorite wrestling move is: Single to a back trip.

-- BY ANDY LEE,
Special to the Sentinel