Richardson Reflects On Becoming State Champion

Lady Eagles wrestler Dorie Richardson says that if you want to accomplish something, it ultimately “comes down to who wants it more.” The junior, who had been clawing herself up the ranks for three years, had finally etched her name into the record books as Sullivan’s first girl wrestler to win a state title.

After securing a 4-2 decision victory against Riley Howell of Brookfield, Richardson headed over to her excited head coach Brad Landwehr, and Amy Blankenship, who were still in disbelief at what they had just witnessed. Once she gave them big hugs and thank yous, the three walked off the mat, and Richardson raised one finger to the sky as she was now the Class 1 state champion.

“It’s unbelievable,” she says, “that my hard work paid off in the end. I feel blessed to have gotten this.”

Richardson capped off her best season yet with a 38-3 record. She finished first in seven of her nine tournaments. Richardson clinched the top of the podium in Wright City, Owensville, Four Rivers, St. Clair, DeSoto, Fox and then State. Richardson was also the runner-up at both the Union and District tournaments.

But winning the state championship didn’t come without trials. Richardson described her challenges this season: “During conference, I got a really bad stinger to where both of my arms went numb. It was the week of districts, and I hurt my shoulder, so I couldn’t do a normal wrestling practice that whole week; I had to walk on the treadmill. I [also] had to skip my birthday meal and Christmas meals just to stay on weight. Weight was always [a] front factor on my mind; I would eat, then weigh myself, challenge [myself] to wake up at 4:30 [a.m.] to go work out to stay on weight. Another [was] making sure my skin was healthy.”

After all her success and earning the 2023 Sullivan High School Female Athlete of the Year award, Richardson knows that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the help of others. For those she gave thanks to, she listed out: “My mom, dad and brother for always supporting me. My extended family. All of [the] SHS wrestling coaching staff. My past and present male and female drill partners. Sullivan CrossFit for allowing me to join morning workouts. The Muscle Bar—for providing a place with a sauna that I utilized every day. Josh Perkins and Darrin Jones for helping me in my early wrestling days. The whole Sullivan community for their support. Jesus Christ, for providing me with the abilities and talents I have.”

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