Lake County Gazette

When she started wrestling as a high school junior, Westminster High School Senior Dakota Hull never imagined she would become a state champion.

On February 15th, Hull secured the title of best 145-pound female wrestler in the state by pinning her opponent and completing an undefeated season. “If you would have told me I would be state wrestling champ, I would have laughed in your face,” she said during an interview at the Westy wrestling gym. “I saw my family out there and just started crying. It was an amazing moment. ”

Hull began judo classes at eight years old, providing her with foundational skills useful in wrestling. However, she emphasizes that her success is as much about mental approach as physical strength and stamina. “I would say that 80 percent of wrestling is just mental and discipline. From a young age I have just had that drive to be better every day. ”

Although Hull resides in Thornton, she chose to attend Westminster High School due to its aerospace engineering program rather than its wrestling program. “Pretty much all I can remember (growing up) is wanting to be an engineer and Westy has definitely set me up for that career,” she said.

Now in the spring of her senior year, Hull is considering new possibilities. In addition to pursuing education in engineering, she is exploring the prospect of a wrestling scholarship.