Eighth grader Audrey Rogotzke won state championship as an eighth grader. She currently goes to Oakland Middle School and will be at the high school next year. She, along with other Stillwater wrestlers, battled with St. Michael-Alberville for the finals. Audrey and her brother, junior Ryder Rogotzke have gained state titles.

Audrey worked hard to win the state championship, she trained hard and long to get where she is now.

“I feel great finally winning a state title after the long season. It takes a lot of work to get there and it’s just really rewarding,” Audrey said.

Her brother, Ryder, was there to witness her great achievement. He watched her when she was preparing for the state championships. He is overjoyed when Audrey won.

“Just showing up to every single practice and not taking any days off,” Ryder added. “I feel so proud for her. My reaction was just pretty much happiness.”

Some challenges Audrey came across was wrestling with boys, she struggled matching up strengths with them.

“Throughout the year I’ve struggled with strength against the boys, but plan to work on it in the off-season. I’m usually successful in wrestling the boys with my technique and flexibility but strength will always be an issue,” Audrey said.

Tim Hartung, head coach of the wrestling team, is amazed at her accomplishment. He watched her become strong and work her way up to the season.

“She was one of the only females on our male team this year, and she was one of our hardest workers. Her gender didn’t create any difference than who she was or how she went about her business and how hard she worked,” Hartung said.

Ever since she started wrestling, it stuck with her. The people who inspired Rogotzke were her brothers. Many of her older brothers have already won state titles and been on world teams.

“I don’t know how I got into wrestling, just kind of went into a practice one day and it stuck. My brothers have always been a big inspiration to me, mostly because they are my support and I look up to them, not only as brothers but as idols too,” Audrey said.

Wishes for Audrey are high and hopeful, and Hartung brightly expresses his hopes for young girls to be like her.

Hartung said he really hopes she is the face of their program for female wrestling. He wishes she promotes and entices encouragement for young girls in their community to take the same challenges as Audrey.

Audrey strives to be even greater and has hopes to continue wrestling for her high school and college career. Her goal is to be on a world team or be the Pan-am champion.

“As my wrestling career goes on, I want to become a 5 time state champ, wrestle on a world team, and win a team state title,” Audrey said.

“I may be the first girls MSHSL state champion for Stillwater, but surely not the last,” Audrey added.