All-American wrestler Lilly Luft to be featured on PBS’s Iowa Life on March 19 and 24

To The Press

JOHNSTON— Lilly Luft from Charles City, Tatum Shepherd from Schaller and Naomi Simon from Decorah will be featured in an upcoming episode of Iowa PBS’s Iowa Life, a magazine-style series uncovering the diverse tapestry of Iowa’s people, cultures and stories.

The episode will premiere Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. and be rebroadcast Sunday, March 24 at 10:30 a.m.

In this episode of Iowa Life, Luft, Shepherd and Simon, who are pioneers in the world of girls wrestling in Iowa, will share their passion and excitement for the sport, which was first sanctioned by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union in 2022.

The episode will also highlight a makeup and body paint artist and visit the last remaining Ben Franklin store in Iowa.

Iowa Life explores the exceptional lives of the individuals who call Iowa home. Through compelling interviews, scenic visuals, and authentic storytelling, the series shines a spotlight on the cultural gems and inspiring stories that make Iowa the fascinating place it is.

Season 1 consists of 13, 30-minute episodes, including a holiday special.

Fans can go behind the scenes, connect with fellow Iowans and learn more by following Iowa Life on Facebook.

In addition to its statewide broadcast, Iowa PBS .1 is available to livestream on iowapbs.org/watch, pbs.org/livestream, the PBS App, Local Now, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV.

Luft was a three-time state champion while wrestling for Charles City’s girls team.

Luft has continued her wrestling career with the University of Iowa women’s team.

This past weekend, the Hawkeye women — to cap their inaugural season — won the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships held at Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids.

After going 4-2 during the tournament including a victory on her birthday (March 8), freshman Luft emerged as an All-American in the 136-pound bracket.