OTTUMWA -- It’s not everyday that history is made on the wrestling mats in the state of Iowa.
Ottumwa wrestler Megan Black became one of the first two girls to qualify for the state wrestling tournament in Iowa on Saturday. Although that might be a great chapter in her season, her story is still being told.
“I definitely want to win,” said Megan. “I mean I made it to state now it’s time to place.”
A sophomore Megan has been wrestling since the first grade. Her coach, Kevin Cochran, knows first hand that she can reach that goal.
“Doesn’t matter who you are, what you’re ranked, she’s going to go out there and try to beat you,” said Cochran.
Megan comes fro ma family of wrestlers. Her dad, Matt Black, a graduate of Ottumwa High School in 1988, qualified for state his senior season. Her younger brother Tucker Black, a freshman also wrestles varsity.
“It’s pretty cool having a sister as your teammate,” said Tucker.
In practice the two are training partners helping each other improve as the season goes on. In order for any athlete to have success they must have a strong support group and Megan has just that in her family.
“My family’s been great. I mean since I was in first grade they’ve been hauling me around to all those little kid’s tournaments.”
I’ve always been in their corner,” said Matt Black. “I’ve been able to be there. To be there Saturday was awesome.”
Megan does consider herself a role model for girls wanting to hit the mats and as Des Moines looms Thursday she has both her parents beaming.
“I’m very proud of her,” her mother Dawn Black told KTVO. “I’ve seen how hard she has to work.”
“It’s not just proud of her,” said Matt. “I’m proud of Tucker for being there. It’s a family deal for us it’s not just Megan it’s not just tucker it’s everybody.”
Her family will be in full support come Thursday.
“People that don’t wrestle don’t understand that it’s a way of life,” said Matt.
Megan’s first opponent in the 112 lb weight class will be against Bettendorf freshman Logan Ryan. She won’t be going to Wells Fargo Arena alone. Her teammate, senior Angelo Kelly will also wrestle at the 130 lb weight class.