Tori Dunn and Claire Wheeler were among Ozark's seven COC Tournament champions two weeks ago who now will try to become the Lady Tigers' first State qualifier(s) this weekend.
They've responded to their senior seasons with their best performances and hope that trend continues at Districts.
"I have high goals, especially since it's my last year," Dunn said. "Each match could be my last match. I'm keeping a good attitude no matter what. I plan on responding well. I'll try my best."
"I think I can get (to State)," Wheeler said. "I'm prepared for it. I've just got to go out and execute."
Dunn, a 110-pounder, will bring a 34-8 record into Districts. Whether she can go straight to the championship round Saturday or has to wrestle her way back to a top-four finish, Ozark coach Tod Sundlie feels her determination will be a driving force.
"She was one of our early successes (last year). Like all wrestlers, she went through some hard matches and figured out how much she enjoyed the challenge," Sundlie said.
Dunn has certainly not let losses bring her down.
"It sucks losing," Dunn said. "There have been tough matches this year and last year. You've just got to think about your next match. Brush it off. You're not giving up.
"I like to think losing can teach you more than winning," she added. "Losing a tough match can teach you more than winning against a girl with a quick takedown and pin."
Ask Dunn about this weekend's 110 field and she can't tell you much. That's by design.
"I stay away from who I'm going to be up against," she said. "I think that's how (opponents) can get in your head."
Wheeler's mindset has also helped her on her way to success. She's 36-8 at 130.
"She’s hard to get rattled," Sundlie said. "When it gets tough, she can stay with her plan. She starts to see a weakness in her opponent and makes adjustments fast."
Above all else, Wheeler vows to be level-headed, whether she's facing an opponent for the first time or engaged in a rematch against a foe she has previously beaten.
"I'm going to treat every match like it's a big deal," Wheeler said. "I'm ready for those tough matches and those matches I've won before, it doesn't mean I'm going to win them again. I've got to give my all with everybody."
Wheeler also won a COC championship last year. Her soccer background no doubt helped set her up for success on the mat.
"I've played soccer for nine years, but I'd never done anything quite like wrestling," Wheeler said. "Being in wrestling shape is a lot different than just being in shape. Wrestling has pushed me to be a better athlete all-around.
"I think I've surprised myself a little bit," she added. "I'm still in that state of, 'Wow, I just won.' But I think I knew this year I was going to do well because I did well last year and I've put in the work to win these matches."
"I'm shocked at how fast she has learned," Sundlie said. "The challenge to everybody has been, 'How coachable are you, how quick do you make adjustments?’ Claire has been a great example of that."
