The Hampton-Dumont-CAL girls wrestling program made history with its first ever placewinner at last week’s state tournament.
A year after becoming the program’s first state qualifier, Maren Subbert placed fourth at 190.
“It’s great improvement from last year when I was down the first day,” Subbert says. “It was kind of heartbreaking last year. It’s nice to come back this year and really make a mark, which is amazing to prove myself. Last year I was the first qualifier, so I got that benchmark, which really gave me the experience that I needed for today, because it’s always very nerve-wracking here. It’s a big environment. It’s a really nice arena, really nice place to be in. We’re moving up as a program. We’re stepping up and all the work that I’ve put in this year really just pays off.”
Subbert went 4-2 at the tournament, including two overtime wins.
Elsie Kuper went 0-2 at 170 in her first state tournament appearance, and hopes to use the experience to grow next season.
“It’s a great opportunity,” Kuper says. “It’s very nerve-racking, like a very intense place to be and it’s hard to keep yourself up when you’re in such a huge place with such talented girls that are wrestling here. I had tough matches and I fought through it I think, and I’ve got a positive attitude for the next year.”
At 155, Juliette Koch went 0-2, but says she’ll use the experience as a springboard into her junior season.
“Obviously it was a little tough, lots of ups and downs,” Koch says. “It was tough being out the first day, but I’m proud to make it here, even the growth from last year. I know I’ll be back next year better than ever. It’s only up from here.”
Subbert and Kuper will be seniors for the program next season.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOVx9J_opPc?si=gLz7gpxlfcJn80pg&w=560&h=315]
