all photos by Christy Casey
(Coralville, IA) Macy Rasmussen of Audubon finished in 2nd place after losing to #1 seed Violet Diaz of Denver 13-4. Diaz led the match from start to finish, getting a takedown in the first period and letting up Rasmussen for an escape. She tried again but Rasmussen defended well and did not allow Diaz to get on a take down roll. The first period ended 3-1.
The wrestlers stayed neutral to start the 2nd period and Diaz got another takedown 40 seconds in and got Rasmussen on her back. The Wheeler avoided a fall but now trailed 10-2 after another Diaz takedown just before the end of the period. The only points for Rasmussen came on two escapes and 2 penalty points on Diaz for stalling.
Rasmussen goes from 6th place last year as a freshman to runner up in 2026 and finishes with an impressive 53-4.
