IHSAA girls breaking 18 athletes from the Lafayette area

On January 18, 2025By Littum

LAFAYETTE – Girls wrestlers from the Lafayette area are ready to invade Indianapolis this Friday with hopes of winning glory at the first IHSAA state championships held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

The inaugural season of girls wrestling in the IHSAA was massive for the Lafayette area, which produced 18 state qualifiers, including three regional champions and a No. 1 seed.

Here’s what you should know about the 18 wrestlers competing this Friday. Fans and readers can follow live coverage with reporter Ethan Hanson tracking the progress of local competitors Twitter and Instagram.

Kadie Fearnow – Clinton Prairie

Fearnow captured the Rochester 110-pound regional and sectional title at Lafayette Jeff. Quick, quick and honed her technique, Fearnow hopes to continue her while boasting a 25-6 record.

Kathrine Emerson – Delphi

Emerson fought hard during the sectional and regional round. Emerson reached the 110-pound sectional finals and placed second, securing the final spot in her class, where she placed fourth at regionals while posting a 14-9 record.

Aubrey Bartkowiak – Attica

Bartkowiak ranks at the top of the state for a 235-pound class that possesses deep talent locally. Bartkowiak is 34-1 and is ranked nationally by USA Wrestling. Bartkowiak’s mind is on winning after placing fifth at the IHSGW state round last year.

Erin Cauble – Harrison

While there are wrestlers in the state who can beat Bartkowiak, the one with possibly the most familiarity is Cauble, a junior who placed fourth at the IHSGW state finals. Cauble is 26-4 and handed Bartkowiak her only loss this season. Cauble is confident in his skills. Her speed has improved. At state, Cauble doesn’t have the pressure, but all the skills to pull off a potential upset.

Aaliyah McLean, McCutcheon

McLean at 115-pound regional after placing seventh at IHSGW state tournament in 2024. McLean’s confidence has improved along with her technique during her junior year.

Senniah Henderson – Lafayette Jeff

Henderson captured the 105-pound title at sectionals and looks to place after finishing second at regionals. Senior Henderson led the Bronchos to the first IHSAA sectional team title on Jan. 3.

Laurana Dillon – Benton Central

Sophomore Dillon is creating a legacy in just his second year of high school. Dillon qualified for state in the 105-pound class after placing fourth at regionals and third at sectionals.

Sydney Stoller – Tri-County

Stoller carries a 25-1 record into the state round after placing third at regionals in the 100-pound class after winning first at sectionals.

Alexis Baumgartner – Lafayette Jeff

Joining Stoller in the 100-pound class is Baumgartner, who is 21-13 after placing fourth at regionals. Baumgartner fell to Stoller twice in both third place at regionals and first place at sectionals.

Mimi Nicolas – Rossville

Nicolas has been sensational during her freshman year, capturing the 115-pound sectional title and placing second at regionals. Her loss was to defending state champion and undefeated Ysabelle Ocampo of New Haven. Nicolas has seen the best wrestler in his class and has had a week to prepare for a potential rematch.

Joslyn Barnett – Attica

The 130-pound state title is up for grabs with Barnett, who placed fourth at regionals after capturing the sectional title at Lafayette Jeff. Barnett’s record is 34-5.

Shelby Luper – Clinton Prairie

Luper is part of a deep Clinton Prairie program that produced three state qualifiers. Luper finished second at regionals with a 34-2 record in the 135-pound class.

Taylor Martin – Delphi

Martin follows Luper and some of the quality girls breaking in Clinton County. Martin placed third in regionals after reaching the sectional final against Luper at 135. Martin’s record is 16-8.

Aries Day – Clinton Prairie

Day placed second at regionals in the 145-pound class and heads into state with a 26-9 record. Day’s 5-foot-9 poses a physical challenge with her length and speed.

Jaelyn Guthrie – Twin Lakes

Guthrie was performing at a high level when sectionals began. Guthrie won the sectional title at 155 pounds and placed fourth at regionals.

Mackenzie Conklin – Harrison

Conklin enters the state tournament with momentum in the 190-pound class. Conklin won each of his sectional matches by pinfall and placed second in regionals. Conklin is 25-7 heading into the state.

Liberty Quesada – Lafayette Jeff

Quesada placed fourth at regionals and second at sectionals for the Bronchos, who won the IHSAA sectional team title. Quesada enters state with a 24-9 record.

Hailey Kunz – North Montgomery

Kunz captured the 145-pound sectional title in Crawfordsville and placed third at regionals in Rochester. Kunz enters state with a 21-4 record.

Ethan Hanson is a sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be found at [email protected]on Twitter at Ethan AHanson and Instagram at ethan_a_hanson.