West Fork’s Fernanda Ramirez earned the Warhawks their first state tournament berth since 2023, with a regional championship at 170. Hampton-Dumont-CAL’s Maren Subbert battled her way back for second place at 190 to become the first ever Bulldog girl to qualify for state at IGHSAU Class 1A Region 4 tournament at Osage on Friday, as aired on 104.9 KLMJ.
Fernanda Ramirez, for her first career state tournament berth, won her quarterfinal match by Fall (1:58) over Brooklyn Warnke of Charles City, won her semifinal match by Fall (1:11) over Elsie Kuper of Hampton-Dumont-CAL and won a tightly contested first place bout by an 8-6 decision over Danica Diedrick of Humboldt.
Warhawk Senior Fernanda Ramirez on sharing special moment with family and keeping a good mindset.
“I feel amazing. I have my sister here, I’m happy. My mom, I called her right away. That was my moment, that I thought about going into that match is calling my mom right after,” says Ramirez. “Definitely hold your head up high. Going into the finals match, I had lost to the Humboldt girl three times prior. Having a great mentality is the biggest thing for wrestling. I hope they see it as motivation. Just keep working hard for what they want to be and what their goal is. My goal starting the season was having a good mindset and it’s just been improving.”
Maren Subbert, for her first career state tournament berth, started in the championship bracket, won her quarterfinal match by Fall (1:58) and lost her semifinal match by Fall (5:06) to eventual regional champion Leah Stewart of Charles City. In the consolation bracket, Subbert battled to stay in contention with a win by Fall (5:56) in consolation semifinal and a win by Fall (1:28) in the third place match, to earn a spot in a true second place match. In the second place match, Subbert won by Fall (2:26) over Kamryn Steines of Decorah to qualify.
Bulldog Sophomore Maren Subbert on wrestling back through consolation and inspiring future Bulldogs.
“I was a little mad at that semifinal match, but it was still really nice, having to battle back. I always like to, when I warm up, dance it out. It’s nice at that point. I like staying positive with God, he keeps me going,” says Subbert. “It’s just nice knowing that I’m here, I’m leading the way for this program. I don’t want to get too over-exaggerated about myself. I just want to stay humble and make it through the state tournament. Then keep teaching those younger girls, especially the middle school, who have a long way to go and have had a great season so far.”
Other area podium finishers at the regional included H-D-CAL’s Elise Kuper in third at 170 and Megan Severs in fourth at 145 for the Bulldogs. West Fork’s Kaitlyn Burgin placed fourth at 155. North Butler-Clarksville’s Sydney Loviren placed fourth at 235.
The IGHSAU State Wrestling tournament is February 6 and 7 at Xtream Arena in Coralville.
