Lyni Gusick finds family, home on Alburnett wrestling mat

CENTER POINT — Lyni Gusick started out her high school career at Center Point-Urbana.

Eventually, her love for the sport of wrestling led her to Alburnett for the past two seasons, where she’s become a top contender for the Pirates.

Earlier this week, she found herself at her old stomping grounds for a triangular against the host Stormin’ Pointers and West Delaware. Her team went 2-0, defeating Center Point-Urbana, 57-24, and West Delaware, 44-36.

It was a bittersweet feeling for the junior, but that didn’t stop her from wanting to come out and make a statement.

“When I first walked in, it was kind of like a flashback,” Gusick said. “But, I came in here having a point to prove, and I did that right away.”

Gusick went 2-0 on the night, wrestling one match against West Delaware’s Hannah Crane. She won by a 20-3 technical fall in 3:19 and received a forfeit in the dual against the Stormin’ Pointers.

Point proven.

  Buy Photo

“When I wrestle, I like to attack right away,” Gusick said. “The more you wait, the more you are going to get in your head and the less you are going to shoot. If you attack right away and wrestle without thinking, it’s more likely you are going to win the match. You are just wrestling.

“That’s how I like to wrestle.”

When Gusick is at her best, Alburnett Coach Brian Moretz knows there is no stopping her.

“When she’s on her game, there’s no one better,” Moretz said. “It’s just a matter of getting her ready and letting her do her thing.”

Since becoming part of Alburnett’s team, Gusick has contributed to growth in the Pirates’ program, specifically at the high school level. A year before she joined the team, the program was at seven wrestlers and has since grown to 19 girls this year.

Moretz contributes the growth in their program to the rise in girls’ wrestling, but also the momentum Gusick brings to the team.

“The growth of our program is a tribute to what she’s done and continues to do,” Moretz said. “She’s a vocal leader and is a good example for our girls.”

One of the best parts of being a Pirate is the comradery she’s built among her teammates — a special feeling that energizes Gusick.

“It feels like family, and we support each other,” Gusick said. “We are there for each other no matter what, win, lose, or draw. It feels a lot more like home. I feel comfortable expressing myself to the team and wrestling.”

As a leading Pirate, Gusick is someone you can find hyping up a teammate before a match or cheering on the team from the bench.

“I try my best to influence and help the team,” Gusick said. “We all need the team behind us and supporting each other.”

If there’s one phrase to sum up how Gusick feels about her team, it’s Pirate pride.

“They are all wrestling so much better than last year,” Gusick said. “They are putting more effort in and are wanting to learn more. They are doing it, no matter what. This year, we are doing amazing.”

While the team has made large strides since last season, Gusick is hoping to overcome what she called a “sophomore slump,” by claiming her spot on the top of the podium in February.

There’s not a doubt in her mind.

“I’ve been wanting it for the past two years,” Gusick said. “I’m ready and back in it this year.”

As for Moretz, he knows it’s possible but will encourage Gusick to focus on her mindset when out on the mat. If that stays intact, the sky is the limit.

“A lot of it is keeping her mental state in a good frame of mind,” Moretz said. “I don’t think there’s anyone who can beat her when she’s on her game and having fun doing what she loves to do, which is wrestling.”