C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N

CORALVILLE—The definition of perfection in Merriam-Webster's dictionary is stated as, “the quality or state of being perfect.” The first example should be that of Sigourney-Keota’s Reanah Utterback’s 2024 wrestling campaign, as she completed her season as the state champion of 115 bracket with a perfect record of 46-0.

Utterback stepped into Extreme Arena with a perfect record of 41-0. Despite the perfect record, she was still the third ranked wrestler in the 115 weight class. 

On the first day, February 1, Utterback breezed her way through the competition. In the bouts she wrestled in, she completed three straight first round pins in an average time of one minute and three seconds.

When asked about her first day, Utterback responded with, “The main thing was to go out, not mess around, and get it over with. Some of the matches I didn’t know how long they would take, others I knew would be longer than others. Mainly go out, have fun and dominate.”

The second day started as the last day ended, another first round pin. Utterback pinned Ellie Weets of Vinton-Shellsburg in one minute and 10 seconds in the semifinals. This marked the fourth straight first round pin for Utterback. 

In her path to the finals of the 115 bracket, Utterback spent a total time of 4 minutes and 11 second on the mat. Utterback had not even wrestled a full six minute match in the cumulative time she spent in her four other matches. 

Utterback described the mentality that led to her breezing through the competition as, “Business as usual to go out there, wrestle, have fun and get it done.”

The finals matchup was between third ranked Utterback and Silvia Garcia-Vasquez of West Liberty, who was ranked ninth.

It took Utterback only 46 seconds to secure her first takedown, and take a 2-0 lead. She did not look back from there. She added eight more points in the second round with a reversal and two near falls to secure a 10-0 lead. In the third, she started on the ground once again. After securing her second reversal of the match, Utterback found herself in an advantageous spot. She quickly secured the third period pin, and was crowned the IGHSAU Girls State Champion of the 115 division. 

Before the meet, Utterback had set a goal to try to not allow another point to be scored on her after giving up her first points in the Super Regionals. This goal was achieved, as no opponent who faced her in the state tournament tallied a single point. Utterback spoke on the feeling of achieving this goal with, “It was a great feeling to go out there and not give up a point. Next year we will strive for zero.”

The beauty of watching Utterback wrestling is knowing she has an army of friends and family rooting for her no matter where she goes. She spoke on this support system with, “I have a great support system, whether it is family, friends or the community behind me. They are super supportive, and it pushed me to want to do better for them. It is just such a great feeling to have evertone support me in what I love to do.”

After such an amazing season, it is hard to think of what Utterback could do to improve upon it. In her mind, there is still one more goal to achieve, and that is going the season without giving up a point. “Mainly go out there and still dominate. Instead of giving up two points, give up zero,” explained Utterback.