Adrian sophomore makes history with state title

Editor's Note: From February 2024

By Jimmy Gillispie

COLUMBIA — A year ago, Annabelle Rowe was watching the state wrestling tournament wondering what could have been if she had been given a chance to qualify.

Last week, the Adrian sophomore stood atop the Class 1 state podium after making school history. She became Adrian’s first female state medalist and state champion when she won the 235-pound title in Columbia.

“This means so much. I’m so excited,” Rowe said. “After not being able to even get past districts last year, because of being disqualified, this means a lot.”

Adrian coach Brandon Ott was so happy to see Rowe make history a year after what could have been a magical season.

“It’s amazing,” Ott said. “She kind of got cheated last year when her season was cut short and didn’t get to wrestle district. She came back hungry and this was a revenge win, because she lost to this girl earlier this year. To be able to not only come back and win, but also pin her to win the match to win a state title is amazing.”

Rowe’s freshman season came to a screeching halt last year. Rowe was one of the favorites to be a contender for the 235-pound state title until a medical condition flared up that caused her to be disqualified from the district tournament before it began.

Ott said that during weigh-ins, the on-site physician examined Rowe’s skin infection that left scars and declared she couldn’t compete. That ended Rowe’s freshman campaign in which she lost only a few matches all season.

“It was devastating,” Ott said. “She would probably be a two-time state placer if not a two-time state champion.”

Last week, Rowe’s closest victory at state came in the first round. She escaped the opening round with a 1-0 win over Marshall’s Sherlyn Solano, who went on to place fourth. 

Rowe won her next two matches by fall in 1 minute and 19 seconds and by major decision, 14-4, to clinch her spot in the finals. In the championship match, she scored a third-period reversal to break the scoreless tie. Seconds later, Rowe pinned Mexico’s Alexus Johns for the state title.

“I immediately thought of my dad,” Rowe said. “I could hear him screaming up in the stands. It made me smile. It was great.”

With two more years left at Adrian, Rowe could add to her historical career. One thing is for certain, her coach won’t be making any bets against it.

“I think she has the fire to win two more,” Ott said. “I’m not going to knock on wood, but knock on wood hopefully she can three-peat.

“I got my ears pierced because we made a bet if she qualified for state both me and my assistant coach would get our ears pierced,” he added. “We wore earrings for her finals match because of it.”