United Local’s Auston Brown and Dakota McCracken capped off their high school wrestling seasons with top-four finishes at the OHSAA state wrestling tournament, marking a milestone for the program.
Brown, a junior, placed third in the girls’ 125-pound division with a commanding 16-7 major decision over Olentangy Orange’s Lacie Knick. McCracken, a senior, finished fourth at 235 lbs. after being pinned in 1:12 by Archbold’s Gabby Oregon in the 130-pound bracket.
For Brown, standing on the podium at state was a culmination of hard work and dedication. While she celebrated the accomplishment, she already has her sights set on something bigger—reaching the state finals as a senior.
“It’s been an incredible season, and this just proves all the effort we put in was worth it,” Brown said. “I know I have more to accomplish. Next year, my goal is to make it to the finals.”
She credited her success to the support of her family, teammates, and coaches, as well as the tight-knit United wrestling community. Among her biggest supporters was McCracken, her longtime teammate and someone who continues to drive her in the wrestling room.
For McCracken, her fourth-place finish was more than just a medal—it was a statement.
“This means everything to me,” McCracken said. “I wanted to prove people wrong and show that I belonged here.”
Throughout her wrestling career, McCracken relied on Brown as a training partner, pushing each other to get better every day.
“I couldn’t have done this without Auston,” she said. “Having her by my side made all the difference.”
With her high school career now behind her, McCracken plans to shift her focus to academics. While she won’t continue wrestling in college, she has set her sights on becoming a teacher.
Both wrestlers expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the United community, which has played a crucial role in their success.
As McCracken moves on to the next chapter of her life, Brown is already preparing for her senior season, determined to finish what she started.
“My goal is to get to that state final,” Brown said. “I know what it takes now, and I’m ready to put in the work.”
