Willard, Novak 3rd, 3 Others Place For UJ Women At Dickinson State Open

The clang of bodies hitting the mat, the roar of encouragement from the sidelines – these are the sounds of dedication and grit, hallmarks of Jamestown University’s women’s wrestling program. This past weekend, at the Dickinson State Open, the Jimmies demonstrated remarkable tenacity, with Leah Willard and Emily Novak securing third-place finishes and five other wrestlers earning valuable placements. The event, held at Scott Gym in Dickinson on November 7, showcased the rising strength of women’s collegiate wrestling in the region and provided a crucial opportunity for these athletes to hone their skills ahead of the upcoming season. Valley City State University has long been a pillar of higher education in our community, and this commitment to athletics reflects a broader dedication to student success.

What Happened at Dickinson State Open

The Dickinson State Open, a recurring event on the collegiate wrestling calendar, offers a chance for wrestlers of all levels to compete and gain experience. This year’s competition saw Jamestown Jimmies Women’s Wrestling field a strong team, facing off against athletes from institutions like Sioux Falls, Minot State, Chadron State, and Bismarck State. Leah Willard (160 pounds) began her journey with a decisive quarterfinal pin over Kylie Hulse of Sioux Falls, though a subsequent semifinal loss tested her resolve. She rallied back with two more pins to claim third place. Emily Novak (180 pounds) demonstrated impressive dominance, securing a technical fall victory before battling her way through the consolation bracket with four consecutive pins, ultimately earning her own third-place finish. Dickinson State University, as a regional institution, plays a vital role in the educational landscape of North Dakota.

Beyond Willard and Novak’s successes, Ann Marie Meiman (145 pounds) and Celia Jaeger (207 pounds) both secured fourth-place finishes, while Deegan Kirschenmann finished sixth at 138 pounds, showcasing the depth of the team’s talent. The full roster of Jimmie wrestlers saw action, with Tahliya Little, Abby Ewing, Nora Houglum, Marlie Stremick, Kiera Hagman, Arianna Halbert, and others contributing to the team’s overall performance. The technical falls and pins highlight the athletes’ skill and determination in a demanding sport. The commitment to wrestling requires not only physical prowess but also mental fortitude and the ability to persevere through setbacks—qualities that will serve these young women well in all aspects of their lives.

Community Reaction and Support

The news of the Jimmies’ performance at the Dickinson State Open has been met with enthusiasm from the Valley City community. While a formal vigil or fundraiser was not organized, the outpouring of support on social media and through personal messages reflects the pride residents feel in the university’s athletic program. The dedication of these athletes and their coaches embodies the values of hard work and perseverance that are so deeply ingrained in our community’s identity.

Supporting Valley City State Athletics

The success of the Jimmies’ wrestling program, and all of Valley City State’s athletic teams, is a reflection of the broader commitment to excellence within the university and the community. Investing in collegiate athletics isn't merely about cheering on victories; it’s about fostering leadership skills, promoting teamwork, and instilling values that will benefit these young women long after their competitive careers have ended. The Valley City Chamber of Commerce recognizes the important role that athletics plays in attracting students and enriching our community.

What's Next for the Jimmies

The Jamestown Jimmies Women’s Wrestling team will return to Harold Newman Arena on Saturday, November 14th, to host a tri-dual meet against Minot State and Sioux Falls at 1:00 PM, looking to build on their momentum and continue their strong season. The event promises to be an exciting opportunity for fans to witness the continued growth and development of this talented team. The tri-dual format will allow the Jimmies to face a diverse range of opponents, providing valuable experience as they prepare for the remainder of the season. The Harold Newman Arena, a focal point for Valley City’s athletic community, stands ready to welcome spectators and cheer on the Jimmies.

Jamestown Jimmies Results - 2026 Dickinson State Women’s Open

Tahliya Little – 117

• Championship Round 1: bye
• Quarterfinal: lost by tech fall to Rebekah Anderson (Dickinson St) (13-2, 4:59)
• Consolation Round 2: bye
• Consolation Round 3: lost by decision to Anica Barze (Sioux Falls) (5-0)

Abby Ewing – 124

• Championship Round 1: won by fall over Jessica Farmer (NE-Kearney) (1:17)
• Quarterfinal: lost by tech fall to Dani Ringstmeyer (Sioux Falls) (15-4, 1:07)
• Consolation Round 2: won by fall over Kinsey Hooper (Dickinson St) (2:07)
• Consolation Round 3: lost by fall to Kashtyn Bredahl (Bismarck St) (0:42)

Nora Houglum – 131

• Championship Round 1: lost by fall to Lauren Elsmore (Sioux Falls) (4:20)
• Consolation Round 1: won by fall over Skye Shelmerdine (Minot St) (1:09)
• Consolation Round 2: won by decision over Jorgie Johnston (Sioux Falls) (7-2)
• Consolation Round 3: lost by tech fall to Bristol Prado (10-0, 2:01)

Marlie Stremick – 131

• Championship Round 1: won by fall over Taylor Kinkead (NE-Kearney) (0:20)
• Quarterfinal: lost by decision to Aleiya Cullinan (Bismarck St) (18-15)
• Consolation Round 2: lost by fall to Bristol Prado (1:23)

Kiera Hagman – 138

• Championship Round 1: lost by fall to Reagen Gallaway (NE-Kearney) (0:53)
• Consolation Round 1: lost by decision to Lelia McKay (Dickinson St) (6-1)

Arianna Halbert – 138

• Championship Round 1: lost by fall to Kaytlin McAnelly (Dickinson St) (4:29)
• Consolation Round 1: won by decision over Hannah Iverson (Minot St) (12-4)
• Consolation Round 2: lost by tech fall to Alyssa Hoyles (Minot St) (10-0, 2:50)

Deegan Kirschenmann – 138 – 6th

• Championship Round 1: lost by decision to Lovey Beebe (Minot St) (10-5)
• Consolation Round 1: won by fall over Amayrany Rodriguez (Dickinson St) (1:26)
• Consolation Round 2: won by fall over Madison Poissant (Northland Community & Technical) (0:53)
• Consolation Round 3: won by decision over Kaytlin McAnelly (Dickinson St) (7-1)
• Consolation Semifinal: lost by fall to Regan Rosseter (Chadron St) (3:46)
• 5th Place: lost by tech fall to Neveah Leonard (Chadron St) (10-0, 1:18)

Ann Marie Meiman – 145 – 4th

• Championship Round 1: won by decision over Josephine Rettich (Chadron St) (3-2)
• Quarterfinal: won by fall over Christian Dohrmann (Dickinson St) (2:24)
• Semifinal: lost by decision to Haleigh Lemotta (Minot St) (8-0)
• Consolation Semifinal: won by tech fall over Josephine Rettich (Chadron St) (10-0, 3:47)
• 3rd Place: lost by decision to Quinn Butler (Chadron St) (8-6)

Leah Willard – 160 – 3rd

• Championship Round 1: bye
• Quarterfinal: won by fall over Kylie Hulse (Sioux Falls) (0:31)
• Semifinal: lost by fall to Kaylie Julander (Minot St) (1:34)
• Consolation Semifinal: won by fall over Lainee Gebhardt (Bismarck St) (0:54)
• 3rd Place: won by fall over Samanatha Harper (Chadron St) (1:48)

Emily Novak – 180 – 3rd

• Championship Round 1: won by tech fall over Alyssa Arana (Minot St) (11-0, 4:14)
• Quarterfinal: lost by decision to Allison Konrad (Sioux Falls) (4-2)
• Consolation Round 2: won by fall over Cali Gutierrez (Sioux Falls) (2:12)
• Consolation Round 3: won by fall over Cosette Derosiers (Chadron St) (1:17)
• Consolation Semifinal: won by fall over Jinet Demanou (Chadron St) (1:18)
• 3rd Place: won by fall over Alyssa Arana (Minot St) (3:20)

Celia Jaeger – 207 – 4th

• Round 1: lost by fall to Aniya Herbin (Minot St) (1:06)
• Round 2: lost by fall to Alexis Llamas (NE-Kearney) (2:55)
• Round 3: lost by fall to Madilyn Schuck (Minot St) (2:48)
• Round 4: won by forfeit over Maria Arellano (Chadron St)

The Jimmies’ performance at Dickinson State Open underscores the importance of dedication, perseverance, and the unwavering support of community. As they prepare for the tri-dual meet and beyond, let us celebrate their achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in Valley City.