Mount Vernon Mustangs Girls Wrestling brought home five place winners sixth place and above, two state finalists, a back-to-back state champion, and a runner up team finish at IGHSAU State Wrestling Tournament on Friday, Feb. 7.
Entering Friday, the Mustangs were second in team points and each wrestler was set up for a shot at a podium finish.
Senior Libby Dix (190lb) secured her back-to-back state title with a hard fought match. Dix defended her opponents tough underhook hold throughout the first two periods keeping the score tied at 0 going into the third. Dix earned an escape point, putting her on the board and claiming her title as a two time state champion. “The win was just so sweet,” Dix said. “Knowing that I’ve accomplished it twice is really cool.” After multiple hours of practices and preparations with her teammates and coaches Dix goes out on top.
Junior Kierstan Swart (110lb) battled through a close semi-final match where she secured her spot in the finals. Swart, ranked second, wrestled the number one ranked Gable Hemann and came up just short in the title match. Swart ended the tournament with a silver medal and is ready to improve next year. “To experience the nerves and excitement that I did on finals night, it gave me great experience to hopefully make it one step further for next year,” Swart said.
Freshman Kate Martin (105lb), junior Gracie Pinckney (170lb), and junior Addi Whisner (145lb), contributed to the team as well with a fourth, fifth, and sixth place finish.
The Mustangs rallied together during this rewarding time. “My teammates were always there for me and pushed me even when I lost,” Pinckney said.
“Our coaches gave all the wrestlers pep talks to calm our nerves and prepare our mindset,” Swart added. The wrestlers experienced some exciting wins and some devastating losses, but the Mustangs are using every outcome as motivation for next season.
