Colony junior caps undefeated season with a state title; Knights finish as girls runner-up

ANCHORAGE — Amelia Fawcett worked her way through her junior season like a machine. The Colony standout capped her year with arguably the most dominating performance of the girls final round, and a state title.

Fawcett won the 145-pound weight class with a 15-0 technical fall victory over South Anchorage’s Saige Morris during the ASAA/First National Bank Girls State Wrestling Championships finals Saturday evening at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage.

“It feels good. I always try to perform at my best,” Fawcett said.

Fawcett finished her season 33-0. She pinned her way into the finals. Her first three matches didn’t last a minute. Fawcett stuck opponents in 49, 27 and 33 seconds during her trip to the finals.

“I’m so proud of her. I think she’s an excellent example of what you can do if you put your mind to it,” Colony girls coach Lera Ritz said of Fawcett.

Fawcett is also a nationally-ranked wrestler, who has enjoyed success in tournaments across the country.

“I always try to push myself whether I’m in state or out of state,” Fawcett said.

Fawcett also helped Colony finish as the runner-up in the team standings with 115 total points. Northern Lights Conference rival Soldotna won the girls team title. It’s the second time the Colony girls have finished second in state in the last four years.

Colony’s Gia Jones also advanced to the finals, and placed second at 165. Last week, Jones became the first wrestler in Colony school history to win four girls conference titles.

Grace Loutzenhiser (100) and Hayden VanderPool (107) finished third for Colony, and Aspen Kelly (152) placed fifth.

Palmer, Wasilla and Redington also had wrestlers in the girls finals.

Sarah Callender (128) and Noelle Buck (235) placed second for Palmer, Kaelynn Seidl (100) was second for Wasilla, and Nikayla Miller (185) placed second for Redington.

The Huskies placed third in the team standings with 82 points. Josephine Granger (145) and Joy Walker (165) were fifth for Redington.

Wasilla was fourth with 79 points. Brynlee Lutz (126) was third, Olivia Probasco (132) placed fourth and Taryn Wright (120) finished fifth.

Palmer was fifth in the team standings with 75.5 points. Lillie Vansiegman was also third for Palmer at 138.

Kimberly Tischner placed sixth for Houston at 235.

Frontiersman managing editor Jeremiah Bartz contributed to this report. Contact the Frontiersman at sports@frontiersman.com.