Wrestling has been ‘life changing’ for Adison Musser

ANAMOSA — At the 2023 Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union state wrestling tournament, Anamosa’s Adison Musser sustained an unfortunate and untimely injury — a second concussion.

Having to medically forfeit in the 115-pound third-place match, Musser’s junior season was over. She settled for fourth place and finished with a 45-3 season record.

“It was a very big impact,” Musser said. “Head injuries are always scary. I took a long break and didn’t wrestle at all over the summer. I started back up when this season started.”

Musser may have taken a break, but you wouldn’t know that with how her season is starting.

Ranked No. 7 in the 130-pound weight class, she is 20-1 this season and recently won her 100th career bout. Musser has turned the page to the final chapter of her high school wrestling career.

This season’s focus isn’t necessarily on wins and losses, but is more about enjoying the sport of wrestling.

“Obviously, my goal is to be at the top of the podium,” Musser said. “I’m more looking forward to having fun this year and enjoying my last season.”

Her competitive spirit and drive are sure to help her work toward the simple goal of having fun this season.

Anamosa Coach Jake Wulf is optimistic that goal can be achieved and knows it’s a work in progress.

“We are trying to get her to open up and do her thing,” Wulf said. “I want her to be explosive, herself, and wrestle hard, while also having some fun with it.

  Buy Photo

“That’s the type of competitor she can be.”

A student at North Cedar and wrestler for Anamosa, Musser is the lone senior on the Raiders’ girls’ team.

Wulf knows she has made an impact on Anamosa’s wrestling program and has set a good example for others to follow.

“Last season, she grew as the season went on and became a good leader,” Wulf said. “People saw the stuff she does in the room and on the mat. They try to model themselves after her.

“She’s just been a fantastic addition to our team.”

Thursday night marked senior night for Musser, who went 2-0 with a forfeit to West Liberty and a 55-second fall over Solon’s Makayla Keller.

The night signaled the end is near — not only for her high school career, but also her time on the wrestling mat.

“It’s emotional because it’s coming to an end after 14 years of wrestling,” Musser said.

Musser got inspired to wrestle by her dad, Cory, and cousin Tyler Thurston, who wrestles at the University of Dubuque.

She’s motivated to continue wrestling this season because of the relationships she’s been able to create with her teammates and others involved with the sport.

“The bonds that you create — that’s the only reason I’m still going with it,” Musser said. “Those bonds are just amazing. I think back to last year when I came to Anamosa. They welcomed me in as one of their own right away.

“It’s been life changing.”