Wayne High student Essynce Owens-Webb stepped onto the wrestling mat for the first time in November of 2022. Going 0-3, Owens-Webb did not step off the mat with a win. She did, however, walk away with hustle, heart, blazing passion for the sport and set her sights for the future.
Now, not even a year after starting, Owens-Webb has made quite the name for herself in the wrestling world.
By districts held in Fremont in March, Owens-Webb had thrown her all into knowing the sport. Going toe-to-toe with a rival from Schuyler, she took home the first place medal and earned her place at the state tournament.
"When Essynce is at a meet, she isn't walking around or on her phone like a lot of other athletes," her father Jonathan Webb said. "She's always watching others to learn as much as possible or focusing on mentally preparing for the next match."
At the NEUSA State Wrestling Championships in Grand Island in March, Owens-Webb took home third-place. She battled for nine matches, eventually falling to the girl she previously beat from Schuyler.
Keeping up the momentum, the young powerhouse took first during the Huskerland competition only a week later.
Wayne Wrestling Club Coach Levi Pofahl then received a phone call from the Queens of Corn, a national duels girls wrestling team, asking to reach Owens-Webb.
This team faces against the best wrestlers in the nation, Webb said. In early August, Owens-Webb will travel to Branson, Missouri and Des Moines, Iowa for practice and competitions.
The organization selects wrestlers based on state and overall rankings. Once there, the young wrestler will face off against the other girls on her team for placement in the first, second or third team.
Owens-Webb also has a few camps this summer to advance her techniques, training with Olympic wrestlers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
"Every time she's told she can't do something, she shows up and gives it her all," Webb said. "Her confidence has skyrocketed like a little superhero. Wrestling has changed her life hands down."
Outside of wrestling, the incoming Wayne High freshman runs track and cross country, placing eleventh at state for cross country.
She also has volunteered at a summer Bible camp for two summers.
At home, she encourages her three siblings to improve their wrestling skills as well. Part of the Owens-Webb household has transformed into a wrestling gym, fit with a mat and other equipment.
"My favorite part about wrestling has been making state and gaining new friends," Owens-Webb said. "I'm excited to start next season and take state champion."
Webb attributes Essynce's success to not only her attitude, but the incredible support she has received from her coaches and community.
"Her coaches are amazing," Webb said. "Levi stands behind her; I never had a coach like that. As her Dad, it can make me cry knowing she has so much support."
For the upcoming travel expenses to participate on the national team, the Owens-Webb family is asking for financial support to offset all the extra costs. To anyone wishing to help, reach out to 402-369-0365 or Venmo @niowens.
