Months after making history as the first two state medalists in the Warrenton girls wrestling program, Alexis Ruff and Allison Vacek continue to excel on the mat.

The wrestlers were crowned champions in their respective weight classes at the prestigious Midwest Nationals Wrestling Tournament, held June 28 in Bloomington, Ill. Both Vacek and Ruff wrestled with the Purler Academy team.

The Midwest Nationals event draws talent from over 30 states with about 1,500 wrestlers competing, providing youth and college wrestlers with national exposure.

Vacek, who will be an incoming senior, placed first in the girls 11-12th grade - 155-170 class.  “I’ve been wrestling three days a week since the season ended and I’m starting to finally see the results from all the work I’ve put in,” Vacek said. 

Ruff, an incoming junior, won the girls 9-10th grade - 110-120 class. 

“It’s a lot of fun when you’re going there to compete and not so focused on being the best,” Ruff said. “It was pretty awesome winning a national tournament and getting the result I wanted.” Vacek dominated her bracket, pinning all three of her opponents in a combined time of 1 minute, 52 seconds.

“I used what I know I’m strong at to my advantage – a lot of my upper body is my strong suit and I also just came in not being afraid,” Vacek said.

Ruff had an aggressive strategy that led her to a 10-0 major decision in the championship round.

“I was taking a lot more shots and I was able to follow through with them, which ultimately gave me a lot more points,” Ruff said.

Although the tournament was designed as folkstyle wrestling, which was a format different from what they often train for in the summer, both athletes adjusted well.

“I just had to hack through the first match – that was a big one and get through that first curve,” Vacek said.

Competing against athletes from across the country also brought new challenges, especially in terms of style.

“In season, a lot of girls hang back and hold their hands on the head and things like that, but these girls were more aggressive and ready to get at it,” Vacek said. 

Ruff said the wrestlers in her bracket had similar styles, but she still had to adjust.

“The range and weight classes were a little odd, because I would have people that were a lot shorter than me, but I made it work,” Ruff said.

Both wrestlers said the environment was intense. With so many people, it made for a hot and noisy setting. Vacek also noted getting over her first match was particularly difficult after having to wait five hours to begin.

However, they both had personal motivations that helped them stay focused.

“I just kept telling myself that I was there to have fun and I think that helped with taking the pressure off of myself,” Vacek said. 

Ruff credited a mental shift and the support of her older brother, Jacob, to her success. 

“In other tournaments, my mind was more focused on placing and I would get stressed out about it. I knew something needed to change so this tournament, I was focusing on match by match. Changing my mindset was pretty relieving” Ruff said. “My brother being there also helped because he was in my corner coaching.”

In February, Ruff placed second at 120 and Vacek came in sixth at 155 at the Class 1 state wrestling tournament. The duo believes their victories will better prepare them for the next high school season. “It gives me an idea of what the higher level looks like and what I’ll be up against. It makes me have more self confidence knowing I can beat good girls,” Ruff said. 

Vacek echoed that sentiment, stating, “That was a huge tournament and the environment was crazy. It can be pretty stressful, but being able to handle it pretty calmly, I think it’ll make some higher tournaments a lot easier.”