By Kristi Nixon

Aubrey Chapman of Osage reacts after pinning Ali Russler to reach the 145-pound state quarterfinals today. EJ Photo/Kristi Nixon

CORALVILLE — Four Osage wrestlers reached the state quarterfinals after everything had settled at Xtream Arena on Friday, Jan. 21.

Two juniors, Leah Grimm (170) and Jalynn Goodale (110), and two freshmen, Aubrey Chapman (145) and Gable Hemann (100), will seek to reach the final today.

The 11 other Osage wrestlers won at least one match throughout Friday’s action, helping the Green Devils to post 75 team points for sixth heading into today (Saturday, Jan. 22).

Several of them showed fight, earning comeback wins, including Chapman, who will face Lewis Central’s Espie Almazan in the quarterfinal. She trailed 6-2 before taking NH/TV’s Ali Russler down for the fall in 3 minutes, 40 seconds.

“I’m not supposed to give up in wrestling, obviously,” Chapman said, “so I just kept working at it, got off the top and threw her, I guess.”

Osage and St. Ansgar alike had comeback wins, including the Green Devils’ Cassidy Boge at 105 and the Saints’ EmmaLee Van Sabben at 145. Each later saw their 2022 tournament come to an end.

St. Ansgar’s Mariah Michels, should she win her 100-pound quarterfinal against Lynnville-Sully’s Elizabeth Elliott and Hemann wins against Mid-Prairie’s Gabi Robertson, the area duo will meet in the semifinals. Hemann is 3-0 with three close decisions against Michels this season. Michels is also a freshman.

St. Ansgar’s Emma Hall (110) and the Green Devils’ Madison Swenson (115) will also wrestle for medals today.

Chapman was soaking in the moment, however.

“It’s an awesome experience, especially as a freshman,” Chapman said. “It’s amazing I had this opportunity to come out here, obviously, and I couldn’t do it without my coaches and all of my teammates. 

“I think it’s absolutely amazing that we have 17 girls out, especially with last year we had eight. That’s a lot. It’s a big improvement. Everyone has come in every day and improving and I’m so proud to be a part of this team.”

Leah Grimm gets a high-five from her father, Heath, after reaching the state quarterfinals in the 170-pound bracket at the girls’ state wrestling tournament at Xtream Arena in Coralville. EJ Photo/Kristi Nixon

Grimm said that she feels like she has a lot to live up to since her father Heath starred at Osage and is coach at Upper Iowa University as well as her sister Emma, a multiple-year state champion.

“It’s definitely been a challenge and something I’ve been willing to live up to,” Grimm said. “I mean, I love being a Grimm. It’s definitely been something that pushes me. Having my dad and sister supporting and helping me is also something I really appreciate.”

Grimm also has some ground to make up after an MCL tear playing volleyball her sophomore year. She feels a bit of redemption with reaching the quarterfinal.

“It feels good,” Grimm said. “I’m starting to feel more like I did freshman year, get back into things and feel comfortable. I’m getting control over these things. I just have to push myself to do the best that I can.”

And, along with Goodale, Grimm considers herself a team leader.

“I always tell the girls if they ever need anything, they can talk to me and I help them, even with the little things,” Grimm said. “Like school, or cutting weight. Or even if they need to hang out, I love being there for them.”

Chapman just had a goal in mind to place.

“Honestly, it’s my freshman year,” Chapman said. “I made it to the quarters. I just want to place.”

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