HAYS – After dealing with the pressure of chasing a four-peat, Oskaloosa’s Holly Thacher was ready to let the emotions pour out once the job was done. 

And she was starting to do just that when it looked like her mission was complete in the closing seconds of the second period in her showdown with Oakley’s Kylee Hodges.

But as it turned out, Thacher still had a little work left before she could finally call herself a four-time state champ. 

After initially ruling a pin for Thacher, the officials got together and correctly determined the period had barely ended before the pin, meaning Thacher had to regroup for the third period. 

“I definitely had an adrenaline dump,” Thacher said. “I was like, ‘Oh, I got it!’ And then they took (the pin) away, but I kept pushing through.” 

No worries. 

Thacher responded with a strong third period to take a 10-2 major decision over the previously-unbeaten Hodges in the 120 finals at the 3-2-1A tournament on March 1 at Gross Memorial Coliseum, clinching her fourth straight championship.

“It feels unreal,” Thacher said. “I’m super excited. I’ve worked so hard for this for four years of my life, and I accomplished my goal.”

Shortly after Hodges took a 1-0 lead on an escape with about 25 seconds left in the second period, Thacher made the decisive move of the match. 

After a scramble, Thacher scored a takedown in the closing seconds and had Hodges in pinning position as the period wound down. Though she didn’t get the fall, Thacher was credited with four back points to open up a commanding 7-1 lead. 

It was a rematch of last year’s 115-pound championship match that saw Thacher take a 4-2 decision over Hodges. 

“I definitely knew it would be a tough match because we’ve seen each other, but we haven’t seen each other this year,” Thacher said. “I went the full six minutes and I was ready to be in any position, and I beat her in every position. I’m proud of myself for that.”

Thacher finished her career with a 118-9 record and posted a 32-2 record as a senior. Thacher’s previous titles came at 101, 105 and 115.

She was joined as a four-time state champ this year by Clay Center’s Gabi Koppes, who finished her career undefeated. Last season, Rossville’s Kendra Hurla, Olathe South’s Nicole Redmond and Bonner Springs’ Olivia Stean became the state’s first girls’ four-timers in the KSHSAA-sanctioned tourney era.

“I pushed through the pressure and I got what I wanted,” said Thacher, who plans on continuing wrestling in college. 

Hodges finished her sophomore season with a 40-1 record. Thacher said getting past such an accomplished wrestler in Hodges made the four-peat even more rewarding. 

“Kylee is such a tough wrestler and I’m glad I got to wrestle her in the finals,” Thacher said. “I hope she does well next season and for the rest of her high school career.”