Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: St. Edmond's Elly Berry competes during last year’s girls state tournament in Coralville.

CORALVILLE — Elly Berry has one final goal as a St. Edmond wrestler: to reach the medal stand.

Berry (130 pounds) will compete in her third and final state tournament this week, looking to become the first Gael girl wrestler to earn a medal.

Competition will begin Friday at the Xtream Arena in Coralville. Action begins at 10 a.m.

“This will be my third state tournament and I’m excited to see how it goes,” Berry said. “I’m ready to compete and be back down there (with the atmosphere).

“My goal for this one last go-round is to stand on the podium Saturday.”

Berry has compiled a 5-1 record this season.

“This season has felt super fast,” Berry said. “I haven’t wrestled a lot, but I feel pretty good about my chances.

“As it’s my final time there, I want to do really well and prove to myself and others that good things can happen with practice.”

St. Edmond coach Eugene Carlson knows what Berry is capable of and what she is shooting for.

“She should have high goals,” Carlson said. “Elly knows what she is capable of and she has to step up.

“We spent some time talking about it, and I told her she had to leave it all out there. She is never going to get high school wrestling back.”

St. Edmond’s Andee Barwin (105) will also compete for the Gaels.

Humboldt

Maria Elizondo made a statement for Humboldt last season at the state meet.

This year, she is clearly looking for more.

Elizondo reached the semifinals before coming up short. She bounced back with two straight falls, giving her five falls in the meet and a bronze medal.

Elizondo is 12-1 this season.

Elizondo (170) will be joined by 10 Wildcat teammates who will be trying to make some noise in Coralville.

“Maria has stepped up in that spot,” said first-year head coach Andy Newell. “She’s filled the position left by (the graduated) Kendal Clark (a former state champion and runner-up).

“She is ranked fourth and looking to compete in a loaded weight class with two champions and a runner-up ahead of her.”

Seniors Brett Harklau (5-3 at 120) and Adalynn Lawman (4-7 at 130), along with juniors Baylie Beers (10-3 at 125) and Ashlynn Sutterfield (3-9 at 135), will be in action for Humboldt.

Sophomores Lexi Roberts (2-12 at 125), Claire Weydert (6-10 at 130), Kenzie McMahon (3-11 at 130) and Rylee Coyle (3-3 at heavyweight).

Competing in their first state meet will be freshmen Sophia Harris (6-3 at 105) and Ava McIntire (2-7 at 120).

“We’ve had our ups and downs this year,” Newell said. “We lost eight seniors, which is hard to replace.”