ALEXANDRIA — At the first IHSAA girls wrestling sectional, there were plenty of newcomers to the sport and just a few who could be considered veterans. One veteran would certainly be Pendleton Heights sophomore Maddie Marsh, the 2024 champion at 135 pounds as well as podium finisher at Fargo Nationals, is unbeaten and ranked number one in the state — and seventh nationally — at 140 pounds this season. Another would be Frankton junior Jaden Hughes.
With far less fanfare, Hughes has been competing in the sport since she was very young and has done well, even earning All-American status. But now, her efforts have greater validation both individually and for her team. In Friday’s inaugural IHSAA tournament, Hughes won her two matches by pin, including the 110-pound championship over Elizabeth Winchester of Madison-Grant in just 50 seconds, claiming her first sanctioned sectional title and leading the Eagles to the team championship.
“It’s a bigger picture, I’m able to go further with it, and that makes me happy,” Hughes said. “It definitely raised my confidence. We’ve been putting in the work, that’s for sure.
” While Hughes was the only Frankton individual champion, she was far from the lone Madison County winner. Paige Stires of Lapel won at 130 pounds. Pendleton Heights had three champions — Claire Bowman at 135 pounds, Maddie Marsh at 140 and Lillien Faircloth at 235.
Tannesha Samuels from Anderson claimed the 145-pound title, and Elwood’s Amber San.
