Union wrestler Jillian ‘Monster’ Worthen has her hand raised by the ref after beating Mason City’s Layla Phillips by major decision, 10-1, for the 105 pounds state championship title last Friday during the inaugural IGHSAU state wrestling tournament in Coralville. Worthen is now a two-time state champ. PHOTO BY NOAH ROHLFING

At the inaugural Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union state wrestling tournament in Coralville last Friday, Union sophomore Jillian ‘Monster’ Worthen proved beyond any reasonable doubt that she is one of the best female wrestlers in Iowa right now – taking the state championship at 105 pounds and thereby repeating her Feb. 2022 state performance.

Worthen entered the two-day tournament both undefeated (28-0) and the No. 1 seed in the 105 pounds weight bracket.

After pinning her first four opponents – North Fayette Valley’s Ave Bilden in 1:26, Decorah’s Chloe Sheffield in 1:05, Cedar Fall’s Lauren Whitt in 2:52, and Sumner-Fredericksburg’s Hillary Trainor in 3:44 – Worthen sealed her back-to-back state titles with a win by major decision, 10-1, over Mason City junior Layla Phillips who entered the tournament at No. 7.

In an interview with various media outlets immediately following her title win Friday evening, Worthen was focused and determined as always – expressing gratitude for all she had accomplished and for those who helped her along the way, while keeping her mind on her goals and the future.

“Overall I wrestled a pretty good tournament,” Worthen said in response to how she felt.

Union sophomore Jillian ‘Monster’ Worthen (top) grapples with Mason City’s Layla Phillips during the 105 pounds championship match on Friday, Feb. 3 in Coralville. PHOTO BY NOAH ROHLFING

When asked how it felt to win back-to-back state titles while also remaining undefeated this season, Worthen replied, “I’m excited but I expect it out of myself – my coaches expect it out of me. Trying every day for this. Every year. All four years. Going for it.”

In an interview last year with the North Tama Telegraph following the news that girls’ wrestling was finally being sanctioned in Iowa, Worthen was asked how her fellow classmates have reacted to her success as a female wrestler.

“Like we’re superhuman or something,” Worthen said at the time.

More and more, that statement is looking to be right on the mark for ‘Monster’ Worthen.

Union’s Jillian Worthen tops the 105 pounds podium last Friday night in Coralville at the IGHSAU state wrestling tournament following her state championship win. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSHUA WORTHEN