This past weekend, the Butler Youth Wrestling girls team competed in the 2026 Missouri State Championships, bringing a record number of competitors and continuing to showcase the rapid growth of girls wrestling in Missouri. Butler was well represented, and the Lady Bears showed up ready to compete.

While the day brought its share of ups and downs, every wrestler found success in some way. Of the eight girls Butler took to state, four earned a spot on the podium, highlighting both the talent and progress of this growing program. Emmalee Nieder led the way with a runner-up finish in the 12U 170-pound division, while Myka Morrill also claimed a runner-up finish in the 10U 70-pound class. Melanie Varns earned a third-place finish in the 10U 60-pound division, and Blakely Erisman added a fifth-place finish in the 10U 70-pound class.

While the Lady Bears did not bring home a state champion this time, the overall performance reflected a program that continues to grow, improve, and compete at a high level. More importantly, each athlete who stepped onto the mat played a role in the continued rise of girls wrestling, both in Butler and across the state.

Combined with the boys team’s performance, the Butler Youth Wrestling Club had an outstanding showing overall, finishing the 2026 Missouri State Championships with nine medalists, four finalists, two champions, and two runner-ups.

This article is sponsored by C&S Graphics! Go follow them on FB today!

Results and Photos submitted by Coigny