Fort Dodge Stars Shine in State Wrestling Tournament
CORALVILLE — The excitement of youth wrestling was palpable as Mariaha Benedict and Ava Potter, two standout competitors from Fort Dodge, geared up for the Class 2A girls state semifinals at Xtreme Arena. With a mix of palpable energy and deep camaraderie, the duo showcased more than just wrestling prowess; they embodied the spirit of teamwork and determination.
A Growing Friendship
On their way to the tournament, Mariaha and Ava reminisced about their first meeting at the Iron Sharpens Iron camp last summer. Ava, a freshman, was initially hesitant to approach Mariaha, the senior captain of the team and the all-time wins leader at Fort Dodge Senior High School. Their first encounter was a blend of admiration and nerves, highlighting the journey from trepidation to trust. Head coach Jon Koenig shared, “They’ve melded together and created a friendship. Their bond has positively influenced their performances.”
Semifinal Showdown
Both athletes entered the semifinals with impressive records: Benedict at 45-5 and Potter at 41-5, having navigated through a strong regular season. Coach Koenig expressed confidence in their potential to reach the semifinals. “I felt we had a shot at both of them,” he stated, emphasizing their commitment and determination.
Mariaha Benedict: The seasoned competitor
Mariaha is making her fourth state tournament appearance, improving upon her fifth-place finish from the previous year. In her initial matches, she showcased remarkable skill, easily pinning her opponents—first, a swift 39-second pin against Malia McHugh and later, a 1:49 fall over Algona’s Sienna Fehr. With a career record of 163-35, she now faces top-seeded junior Bella Miller (28-0) in the next round—an opponent she’s familiar with from past competitions.
“Bella beat me in the quarterfinals my sophomore year,” Mariaha reflected, demonstrating her fierce competitive spirit. With humility and strategic insight, she noted that preparation involved studying her opponent’s moves and remaining aggressive on the mat.
Ava Potter: The Rising Star
On the other hand, Ava Potter approached her first state tournament with a mixture of nerves and enthusiasm. After overcoming initial jitters, she displayed impressive wrestling skills, pinning Serenity Dawkins in 4:26 during her opening match before swiftly overcoming Aysia Mosier in the quarterfinals. Coach Koenig observed how Ava tightened her technique throughout the tournament. “She did her job,” he said, praising Ava’s ability to adapt and improve under pressure.
Ava, the fourth seed, is set to face top-seeded juniors Emelia Reyes (41-1) in the semifinals. Reyes, a seasoned veteran with a track record of being a three-time qualifier, poses a significant challenge, but Ava’s confidence is building. “We talked about what I wanted to achieve,” she recalled, clearly motivated to push her limits.
Tournament Fever
As the day of the semifinals approached, excitement buzzed in the air, with competition slated to begin at 9:30 a.m. and the finals starting at 6:30 p.m. both athletes spoke of their preparations, the importance of supporting one another, and their determined mindset.
“Mariaha and I are fired up and ready to go,” Ava proclaimed, embodying the spirit of teamwork and the thrill of competition buzzing throughout the arena. With only a few matches separating them from the championship round, their stories exemplified the drive and dedication that make high school wrestling a compelling spectacle in the realm of athletics.
Their journey signifies not just a pursuit of podium finishes but also the formation of lasting friendships and shared aspirations on and off the mat, making them athletes to watch as their stories continue to unfold in this high-stakes arena.
