AnnMarie Shuler poses on the podium after placing third at the IHSGW Regional SE meet. Shuler qualified for the state meet this Friday in Mooresville.
Submitted photo
The state qualifiers in the 106-pound weight class pose for a photo at the IHSGW Regional SE meet in Franklin. Seymour’s AnnMarie Shuler placed third.
Submitted photo
Seymour’s AnnMarie Shuler takes a photo with her coaching staff after placing third at the IHSGW Regional SE meet in Franklin.
Submitted photo
Seymour’s AnnMarie Shuler gets her hand raised after winning one of her matches at the IHSGW Regional SE meet in Franklin.
Submitted photo
Seymour freshman AnnMarie Shuler thought she had a chance to qualify for the state meet, but she didn’t know quite how things would shake out Friday at the Indiana High School Girls Wrestling Regional SE meet in Franklin.
Shuler got a bye in her first match and then took on Indian Creek’s Elizabeth Dowty in the 106-pound weight class.
Dowty got the best of Shuler, winning by tech fall. That put Shuler behind the eight ball, so she knew she had to pick things up if she wanted to advance to next week.
Shuler was matched up against Liliana Greenfield, and she was able to score a fall over the Evansville Reitz wrestler to advance to the third-place match.
“I started driving up more and finishing my shots better,” Shuler said. “I didn’t drop to my knees as much, and my attitude just got better.”
In the third-place match, Shuler was matched up against Jeffersonville’s Jo Eimes.
“I was really trying because I really needed that win,” Shuler said. “Typically, I’m really nervous, but once I get out there, I’m just really focused and it all just goes away.”
Shuler was able to score a fall over Eimes to place third and punch her ticket to the IHSGW State Finals this Friday at Mooresville High School.
“I knew I had somewhat of a shot to go to state based on how I was doing this season against some of the girls, but I didn’t know how well I’d place (on Friday),” Shuler said. “I find it really fun and enjoyable and awesome because I can watch over these next four years to see if I grow and get better.”
Shuler wrestled all through her time in middle school, and as a freshman at Seymour High School this year, Shuler is the only girl a part of the Owls wrestling team.
“It’s way different, a lot more work, but it’s fun,” she said. “It’s sometimes difficult working with the guys, but it has been fun, and it tests you a lot more.”
Shuler also was a varsity cross-country runner this fall and plans to run track and field this spring.
This Friday at Mooresville, weigh-in starts at 10 a.m., and wrestling begins at 11 a.m. Shuler said she hopes to place well, and if she comes across Dowty again, Shuler hopes to get some revenge and pick up a victory over the Indian Creek competitor.
“I’m super excited,” Shuler said. “I find it fun, and I just think it’s an overall great experience and great test to see how well I can do.”