Rottman’s victory gives Highland High School girls wrestling first state champion

Highland Lady Bulldogs wrestling has only been around two seasons, but on Feb. 25, August Rottmann made history for the program.

A superbly skilled sophomore, Rottman defeated Nydia Martinez of Joliet Central (31-5) by pin at 5:10 of the third period, winning the 170-pound state championship at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.

Rottmann, who went to state and placed third in the 170-pound division last season, is the first wrestler in program history to bring home an individual championship.

Winning a state championship medal in just her second year of prep wrestling was a special achievement for Rottmann, who always strives for greatness.

“It was a big improvement from third place last year and it feels amazing and gives me something to look forward to and push for the next two years (of wrestling),” Rottmann said.

Highland coach Shorty Ohren was thrilled to see Rottmann leave Bloomington with a state title.

“She worked hard at it. It feels great for me, but it probably feels even better for her doing it as a sophomore,” Ohren said. “She got stronger and stronger as the year progressed.”

Rottmann — who finished her season with a dazzling 21-1 slate — defeated Mailei Hudec of Crystal Lake Central in the first round, Ionica Rivera of Aurora-West Aurora in the quarterfinal round, and Trinity White of Oak Park-River Forest to advance into the championship match against Martinez.

For Rottmann, White was her toughest tournament opponent because of their familiarity, having faced each other at state in 2022.

“She wanted to get her revenge on me, but I just stuck to what I know and held it out,” Rottmann said.

In the 170-pound championship match against Martinez of Joliet Central, Rottmann stayed patient the first two periods before making her move in the third period to gain control of the match.

“I was just gonna stick to what I knew and not try anything fancy and hold her out by points and just get her on her back. I was prepared for the match and ended up being tougher than her in the match,” Rottmann said.

Ohren said her performance in the state tournament was dominant, as Rottmann gave up virtually no points in going 4-0 in the 170-pound division.

“I don’t think anybody scored on her as she gave some points to girls that she let up (in matches), but nobody scored on her,” Ohren said. “She had a game plan and stuck with it every match.”

Ohren hopes Rottmann’s championship success will inspire more girls to come out for wrestling at Highland next season and in future seasons to come.

“Hopefully, we can get more girls interested in coming out and wrestling on the team so that I can fill a whole team,” Ohren said.

HHS had four girls wrestle this season, and Ohren hopes to double that number next winter.

Bright future for sophomore star

Moving forward, Ohren believes Rottmann can be back on the podium at the state tournament the next two seasons, provided she stays hungry and continues to improve on the mat.

“She can be back up there (at state) again, but like I told her after she won, you’re a marked woman now because the next two years they’re (opponents) going to be gunning for you,” Ohren said. “She needs to improve on keeping people down, and if she can control them after a take down, she’ll be fine.”

Rottmann agreed.

“I think I can keep it up and do what I’ve been doing and push myself even harder over the off-season and get better,” Rottmann said.