Iowa Valley state champion Emma Peach excited for Iowa’s inaugural sanctioned girls’ wrestling season

MARENGO — Emma Peach remembered the day her dad came home and randomly asked her siblings if they wanted to wrestle.

She was too young to start then, but her older sister, Millie, showed interest, immediately. Her brothers followed. Peach had to wait until she was able to listen and comprehend the lessons and jumped when she received the chance.

“I loved it from the moment I started,” the Iowa Valley sophomore said. “There are people in here competing for themselves but they’re also competing for a team. It is a group effort and it’s also just on you. It’s a cool thing to be a part of.”

Peach has developed into one of the state’s top wrestlers entering the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s inaugural season of sanctioned wrestling. Monday was the first day of competition for the landmark year, which was announced before she won a title at the Iowa Wrestling Officials and Coaches Association girls’ state tournament last season.

“I’m really excited because we’re recognized as an actual sport and not just a hobby for girls,” Peach said. “I think we’re on the right track for female wrestling in Iowa.”

Wrestling has been a common activity among Peach and her six siblings. Millie Peach was the only wrestler to win titles in each of the first three IWCOA girls’ state tournaments. Peach followed her sister, representing the family atop the awards stand every year the catalyst event occurred.

Peach recalled going to watch all of her sister’s matches, witnessing her go toe-to-toe with boys and girls on the mat. She said she wanted to emulate her and her “no fear” mentality.

“I definitely looked up to my sister,” Peach said. “I think she was the reason I started wrestling, personally. She showed me how to be a good leader.”

The younger Peach has demonstrated the same toughness and resilience.

“She’s never shied away from competition,” Iowa Valley Coach Jeremy Kriegel said. “She’s always willing to battle with anybody in the practice room.”

Being one of seven children creates competitive and caring relationships with siblings. The Peaches have had their moments of rowdiness with impromptu bouts taking place.

“With Millie at home, we will start wrestling on the hardwood floor,” Peach said. “Mom is screaming at us to stop. We’ll end up giggling at the end.

“We all like to goof around and obviously there is conflict, but usually it gets resolved and we’re always there for each other, especially during sporting events since we’re all active in the same stuff. We always support each other.”

The Tigers have gone from two female wrestlers last year to nine on their first independent girls’ program. One of those is Peach’s freshman sister, Breanna.

“She’s the best wrestling partner in the room of girls for me,” said Peach, noting that Breanna is bigger and faster. “I’m like ‘Kriegel, don’t put us together’ because sibling rivalry during a match is so bad. She’ll be spicy at me afterward.”

Peach participated in other sports, but wrestling had the strongest attraction. She dedicated herself more in junior high and joined a couple clubs to travel all over to compete, including Big Game Wrestling in North Liberty.

“She’s one of the most committed people we’ve ever had at Iowa Valley, as far as wrestling,” Kriegel said. “She’s got big goals and she’s going to work her tail off to achieve those goals, too.”

Peach posted a 21-0 record last season, winning an IWCOA title at 140 pounds. She has been ranked as high as 11th at 144 pounds. Peach considers herself more of a technical competitor that employs constant pressure on opponents. Kriegel also sees a coachable and receptive athlete, applying the various skills learned in practice in competition.

“She’s strong than an ox for her weight,” Kriegel said. “She does a great job of making in-match adjustments. She’s done that in a couple matches.

“We have game plans going into matches. When they don’t work, she’s able to adjust in the middle of the match. It’s really special for her to be able to do that.”

Kriegel has seen Peach’s leadership ability emerge with the new program. She is the most experienced wrestler in the program and accepts the role, helping teammates with moves or mental preparation. Peach embraces the challenge with the growth of girls’ wrestling.

“I think it’s really neat,” Peach said. “There are a lot more girls. I’m excited to get some good competition and have more people to wrestle.”

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