BEATRICE, Neb. - After Lady Orange wrestler Morgan Maschmann fell in the state finals a year ago, she told Head Coach Corey Wells three simple words: I earned it.

Those three words have resonated with her throughout the course of the season and ahead of this years state tournament.

“It started basically  right as last season was over,” Wells said. “She’s got an incredible motor, she’s incredibly motivated, it just fueled her to get better."

The process for Maschmann began with taking on better competition earlier in the season, which is precisely what she did, in preparation for a run at state.

“It’s fueled me to go after those matches, and GO against that competition earlier in the season,” Maschmann said. “There’s no reason for me to be scared anymore.”

But the process didn’t only change on the mat - Maschmann said she was wasn’t quite ready for a state championship match mentally, but a unique idea by her coach aimed to change that.

“I got a journal this year,” Maschmann said. “My coach got it for me and it has a lot of gratitude stuff, some things you want to do to get better that day, and writing down your big goal. I think writing down my big goal has helped.”

Maschmann will begin the tournament on Wednesday, taking on Kearney’s Sloane Abbey in the Class A 125 division.