A seventh grader at Oltman Middle School has just made District 833 history.
Danica Fuelling, who wrestles for East Ridge High School, placed sixth in the 170-pound girls weight bracket at Minnesota State wrestling March 2 at the Excel Center, becoming the first girl in District 833 history to make the podium—as a middle schooler.
Attending Oltman Middle School in Cottage Grove, Fuelling started her history-making feat with a match against Nas Jarae White (21-4) of Forest Lake, defeated 11-7 before going on to defeat Leah Willard (38-7) of Bemidji by decision 17-11 in the follow-up match before facing Elsie Olson (14-6) of Apple Valley East, finishing sixth overall.
Starting her wrestling career in kindergarten after spending a season watching her brother Tyler (who has committed to wrestle at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis.), Fuelling kept telling her parents she wanted to try it, competing in mostly boys divisions as there were very few girls in wrestling in those early years. Fuelling loves wrestling as a sport that makes one rely on themselves on the mat and wishes that more girls would try it. She shared more after the results at state.
“Everyone kept telling me that making it to the state tournament was an honor and not to worry about wins and losses,” she said. “After taking second place at sectionals, I knew that I wanted to make the podium at the State Tournament against a field of all juniors and seniors because my coaches are the best. I wanted to show everyone that I can do anything I put my mind to.”
East Ridge head wrestling coach Jonathan Balagot shared thoughts on Fuelling and her accomplishment.
“Danica decided to forgo the middle school season to join the team at ERHS for the high school season,” he said. “Her family lives in the East Ridge boundaries as her brother was on our team this past season as well. Usually, her brother or mom would pick her up after school to bring her to practice.
“She is a great asset to our team, one of the hardest working, and is very determined and goal oriented. She has a great mindset when it comes to focus, hard work, and reaching her goals. She’s not afraid of anyone and always wants a challenge. She learned a lot this season and put in a lot of hard work this year to get to the point she’s at. After the state tournament ended I told her, ‘this is just the beginning of a long, successful career for you.’”
Assistant coach Mark Brandenburg had similar praise.
“Danica is an exceptional wrestler,” he said. “She's mentally tough and never backs down from competition. Dani has done a great job of opening up her game and evolving as a wrestler this year. In years past, she relied mostly on throws, but this season she's expanded her offense by adding leg attacks and some fantastic counters. Sometimes Dani looks so comfortable on the mat you almost forget she is only 12 years old. She's a fun wrestler to coach and I'm excited to see what the future holds for her in the sport.”
