COLUMBIA, MO – It was Madeline Haynes’ turn.
The Rockwood Summit senior had taken home a state runner-up medal at the previous three Missouri State High School Activities Association girls wrestling state championships, each time losing to a nationally-ranked superstar in the title match.
On Saturday, Haynes was the superstar.
Madeline Haynes (44-0) defeated Jefferson City senior Alexis Dunwiddie 5-0 to complete an undefeated senior season, claim the top step on the podium and earn the first state title for the Summit girls wrestling program at the 2025 MSHSAA wrestling championships at Mizzou Arena.
“I’m really emotional, really excited, really grateful for all the people who helped me get here,” Haynes said after winning the 145-pound Class 2 championship match.
As a freshman, Haynes faced Lebanon senior Quincy Glendenning (42-2) in the state title match and lost by pin. Her next two finals opponents were undefeated – Grain Valley junior Sevreign Aumua (35-0) and Nixa senior Brenya Crahan (52-0).
This year, Haynes was the undefeated, nationally-ranked favorite and cruised through the season having won every match by either pin or technical fall, but her elusive 145-pound state title did not come easily.
During the semifinal round, North Kansas City senior Kamahni Jackson scored first and led Haynes 3-2 after the first period.
“(Jackson) scored the first takedown, and sometimes when that happens, the rest of the match is downhill,” Haynes said.
But Haynes took control in the second period, earning a takedown and nearfall to build an 9-3 lead. Jackson scored a takedown in the third period to close the gap to 9-6, but Haynes finished off the match with a nearfall and survived a serious challenge to her undefeated season with a 13-6 semifinal decision.
“That match was definitely challenging. I’m glad I had that, honestly. I started off down, and I’m proud of myself for coming out on top,” Haynes said.
Summit girls wrestling coach Kenny Holmes knew the semifinal could have gotten away from Haynes if she succumbed to the unusual position of trailing on the scoreboard.
“(Jackson) was up to the challenge. She gave us a good match. Even though we had some early adversity and (Jackson) got the first takedown, I was proud of how (Haynes) worked her way through that and finished the match on top. That’s the true mark of a champion,” Holmes said.
In the seven hours between her semifinal victory and her fourth attempt at a state title, Haynes did not let her mind drift into thinking of what may or may not happen.
“I was relaxed,” she said. “I was very excited for the finals.”
As the spotlight shone on her prior to her 145-pound title match and her career accolades were announced to the crowd, Haynes wore a big smile.
It took her just 25 seconds to earn the first takedown against Dunwiddie (36-4). She scored a two-point near fall in the second period and never gave Dunwiddie a real opportunity to score in claiming a 5-0 decision and a hard-earned first state title for herself and the Summit girls wrestling program.
“I’m proud of the work I’ve put in. Wrestling is so awesome, it takes so much out of a person. It’s really, really special to see my work and the work of the people around me pay off,” Haynes said.
Holmes added, “I’m just so happy for her. She came up short a couple times, but that did not deter her. If anything, she continued to set the bar higher. To end her senior year, not only undefeated, but as state champion, it’s incredible to see.”
For photo galleries from the Class 1-2 girls wrestling championships: https://benvessa.smugmug.com/Girls-Wrestling-2024/Girls-Wrestling-2024-25/2025-State-Championships-Girls-Class-2
