Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Mariaha Benedict of Fort Dodge works against Algona’s Emmy Owen on Thursday in the Dodger gym. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Fort Dodge’s Mariaha Benedict opened the season with a championship at the FDSH Early Bird tournament on Thursday.

“We wrestled well, but we have a lot of things that we need to work on of course,” said FDSH head coach Jon Koenig. “There is a big learning curve for some of these girls. The freshmen, are now wrestling girls who are three to four years older and stronger than them. That takes some time to get used to.”

Benedict, a junior, won five matches to claim the 140-pound crown. The Dodger picked up five falls, with three coming in under 20 seconds and all in the first period.

“Mariaha did what she needed to do,” Koenig said. “She has lofty goals, and she and I expect big things from her. She just needs to take a step back sometimes and fine-tune some things.”

Fort Dodge was fourth with 79 points. Algona (224.5) was the champion, followed by Des Moines Hoover (130) and Humboldt (97).

Addie Mikesell placed second at 235 pounds for the Dodgers with two pins.

“Addie wanted to go out and compete,” Koenig said. “I knew she could do it. She did a solid job.”

Fort Dodge added third place efforts from Brooklyn Nelson (115), J.J. Leyva (125) and Makayla Liska (155). Charlie Stucky, a freshman, recorded a victory for the Dodgers as well.

Winning titles for the Bulldogs were Mara Davis (100), Laura Stohr (115), Malyn Daivs (120), Lillian Allie (125), Alissa Engel (130), Regan Jensen (155) and Reagan Haynes (170).

Algona’s Eden Geddings (105), Reese Taylor (110), Kiah Villarreal (125), Rylie Nicholson (135), Emmy Owen (140) and Charity Wildt (145) were all runner-ups.

Brooklyn Robinson (235) had three falls — all in the first period — to win a title at 235 for Humboldt. Laina Dettmann was runner up at 130 for the Wildcats.

Eagle Grove’s Jaymie Anderson was the runner up at 120 pounds.

Koenig is appreciative of the help to get the tournament done — especially in the middle of a November week week.

“Brandon (Ruffridge, FDSH athletic director) helps a ton to make sure this all comes together,” Koenig said. “Wayne Mason, Sonny Rivera, Todd Carver and Todd Constable were big helpers (on Thursday).

“I’m really thankful for what they did, and for Josh Smith for doing announcing. Whenever you ask for help, they are there.”

Algona claimed seven championships and had six runner-up showings in all on Thursday.