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A crowning achievement
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Angelina Smith, center, placed first at the California Girls Middle School State Wrestling Championships.

Angelina Smith will be remembered as one of Mae Hensley Jr. High's all-time greatest wrestlers.

The dedicated eighth-grader concluded her two-year career with a first-place finish in a field of 32 at the 9th Annual California Girls Middle School State Wrestling Championships on April 13 in Vallejo.

"Angelina is the best female athlete to come out of the Warrior wrestling program," coach Steve Festa said. "She is the first state champion in the history of Mae Hensley Jr. High. She put in a lot of hard work to earn the state championship. I'm very proud to be able to coach her. She dedicated herself and did everything it took to be the best. Smith will be moving into the high-school girl ranks with a lot of momentum."

Smith (22-2) won all five of her matches while competing in the 118-pound division at the state tournament, which was held at Hogan Middle School.

Angelina edged top-seeded Laura Schuler of Pomolita 5-3 in overtime during the finals.

She overcame a 3-1 deficit in the third round. Angelina tied the match up with 20 seconds remaining on a reversal.

Smith earned a takedown in the extra period.

Angelina also collected wins against third-seeded Topaz Lewis (major decision, 10-2) of Springstowne, Bancroft Bronco's Anja Hansen (pin, 1:16), Team Rumble Kid's Mia Dow (decision, 4-2) and Springstowne's Isabelle Culver (pin, 2:33).

Smith was unseeded going into the state championships despite possessing an impressive 17-2 record.

"She had an unbelievable tournament," Festa said.