WAYNE – Just a few days after competing among the best in their respective divisions across the United States, two Wayne Blue Devils brought back more wrestling knowledge to utilize this winter.
From the Fargo Dome in Fargo, North Dakota, junior Hannah Burris and sophomore Essynce Owens-Webb qualified for the 2024 Fargo Nationals.
They were the first Blue Devils since Matt Nelson last qualified in 2004 (2002-04).
Both had to qualify during state competition as Burris placed third and Essynce Owens-Webb finished first.
Burris wrestled in the 130 lb. division and has been wrestling through The Best Wrestler club during the summer.
Essynce Owens-Webb competed in the 100 lb. division and has been represented by several clubs over the summer.
Both talked about their recent experience.
“I met a lot of people and learned a lot more things,” said Hannah Burris. “Iowa had two girls from my club team going there and competing.”
“[It was] kind of nerve wracking,” Essynce Owens-Webb added. “Like it was exciting but at the same time really nerve wracking because of how big it was.”
Both of their parents, Nicole Burris and Jonathan Webb shared their thoughts while also traveling for Fargo Nationals and watching the girls grow in the sport of wrestling.
“It was exciting, but it was also scary and you’re worried because that was a lot of girls on the floor,” said Nicole Burris. “When you saw all those teams warming up, there were 38 mats and it was on a different level.”
“All the way across the board to the talent level was awesome,” Johnathan Webb mentioned. “Getting her on the mat with people of that talent level is obviously what we’re looking for…You got to wrestle the best to be the best.”
Hannah Burris will have a few more summer wrestling opportunities approaching before looking ahead to next year’s Vegas open and possibly in Washington as well. Essynce Owens-Webb will be wrestling in the Cowboy Rumble, Conflict for Charity and War of Roses upcoming.
Also, Hannah Burris will have an opportunity next year right after the 2024-25 wrestling season to compete internationally as well and is excited for Essynce Owen-Webb this fall.
“I was happy for her, but I decided not to go for it this year,” said Hannah Burris. “Next year she has an opportunity to go over seas to go to Bulgaria.”
Essynce Owens-Webb was also named to AAU-ISF U17 Team USA and will be traveling to Bahrain (Island Country off coast of Saudi Arabia) this October. Fundraising efforts continue to help support travel expenses and more for this opportunity to wrestle internationally.
Essynce Owens-Webb talked about the moment she found out she would be able to compete internationally.
“At first I thought he was lying to me because there’s no way this is possible,” Essynce Owens-Webb added. “But then after I was thinking about it then I got a little nervous because I haven’t been that far away from home yet. But then after I started getting excited, I’m like ‘it’s a new trip, let’s go’.”
From getting a travel visa, team travels, team fees and more, the family is continuing to fundraise for this opportunity.
“I appreciate it that people are actually coming together and helping me move on with my dreams,” said Essynce Owens-Webb.
Both Hannah Burris and Essynce Owens-Webb were invited by Les Painter from Pierce to compete in the Nebraska/Maine Exchange later this month. Burris will wrestle on Wednesday, July 24 at 6 p.m. while Essynce Owens-Webb will compete also in Pierce on Friday, July 26 at 5:30 p.m.
Again, both Hannah Burris and Essynce Owens-Webb are excited to share their knowledge during the upcoming 2024-25 school year with their teammates on the Wayne High wrestling program this winter.
