The Fort Dodge girls wrestling team is gearing up for the 2024 state tournament with a clear objective: to surpass their achievements from the previous year. In their inaugural year of sanctioned wrestling in Iowa, the Dodgers qualified four individuals, but only one secured a medal.
Seniors Macy Brown and Maddie Pulis, along with sophomore Mariaha Benedict, are back with determination to stand on the medal podium this time. Head Coach Jon Koenig expressed the collective goal of the team, stating, "Their goal, and mine, ever since the state last year was to get them back first and foremost."
Last year, Pulis and Benedict won two matches each, while Brown faced challenges. The trio is committed to improving on their last state tournament performance.
Pulis, a senior with a 32-8 record, is motivated after last year's exit in the consolation round. She faces an opponent from the school that defeated her last winter, emphasizing her readiness to wrestle and focus on her matches.
Benedict, ranked ninth with a notable 41-4 overall record and 37 falls, is described as a determined wrestler with a promising future. Despite being a sophomore, Benedict's impressive track record positions her as a force to be reckoned with.
Brown, in her second year of competitive wrestling, demonstrated resilience at the super regional tournament. Despite losing in the quarterfinals, she fought back, winning four matches to secure a state ticket. Brown faces tough competition as the 30th seed, taking on No. 3 Tatum Shepherd (32-2) at 130 pounds.
Coach Koenig praised Brown's qualification, emphasizing the increased difficulty and talent in girls wrestling. Brown, reflecting on her journey, expressed gratitude for the support of her coaches, family, and teammates, stating, "The feeling of making it to state will never get old."
The state tournament is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, with the action kicking off at 10 a.m. each day. The finals are set for 6 p.m. on Friday.
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