The state tournament is the perfect place for a historic moment, and for Giada Sherich, she earned that opportunity on the biggest stage. Not only did the Lakota Tech junior win her first state wrestling title, she was also the first wrestler from her school to win the title.
Sherich defeated Summer Guthmiller of Sioux Valley by an 8-4 decision in Saturday’s 138-pound championship match.
“Honestly, it felt really fast, really intense, high speed,” Scherich said. “Thank you Summer. She really gave me the fight and made me work for what I wanted.”
Last year, Scherich placed third at the state tournament. She has been wrestling for a long time, and her hard work has finally paid off.
“I’ve been wrestling for over half my life, and this is where I’ve always wanted to be since I was a little kid, hearing about wrestling and being introduced to the sport,” Scherich explained. “I’m really proud to even be in this position right now.”
She also hopes her success inspires other girls to follow her path.
“It means a lot. I want to pave the way for other girls on the reservation to struggle. They can do it, and anyone can do it if they just put their heart into it, work hard, and persevere.” ” cried Mr. Sherich. “It means a lot to be able to bring it back home.”
Looking ahead, the Lakota Tech junior hopes to return to the state tournament next year to defend his title.
“I want to continue to do my best so I can participate in the national tournament,” he said. “I want to be here again next year, so I’m going to work 20 times harder than I am now to get even better.”
Sherich also won the Outstanding Wrestling Award for Girls Wrestling at the 2024 State Tournament.
As a team, Lakota Tech finished fifth in the team standings with 81 total points. Sandra Moves Camp placed fifth in the 165-pound weight class, and Brandi Marshall and Jessica Waln both placed seventh. Marshall in the 107-pound weight class and Waln in the 126-pound weight class.