SIOUX FALLS — Sapphire White Mountain is a trailblazer. 

The McLaughlin High School sophomore made school history on Saturday, becoming the first Mustang to place at a South Dakota state wrestling tournament at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. 

White Mountain finished the season with an eighth-place finish in the 235-pound weight class, falling to Rapid City Stevens’ Aubree Walker (9-5) in her final match. 

But despite losing her final match, White Mountain was still beaming with pride after making school history. Initially, White Mountain was under the impression she was the first McLaughlin girl to ever place at state. 

But when she was informed she was the first-ever in school history, she couldn’t help but appreciate the magnitude of the moment. 

“To hear I was the first to place, I was like ‘Oh my goodness, this is so exciting’ and I was just happy I was able to place. Even though I didn’t get higher, I am really happy to be here.”

White Mountain finished 2-3 at the state tournament, 20-11 for the season and represented her school located on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation on the biggest stage. 

She singled out her coach Kyle Henderson, and the entire McLaughlin Mustangs’ wrestling program for developing her into a state placewinner. 

“I love coach Henderson,” White Mountain said. “He never gave up on me, and he made me train my butt off. I really love the wrestling team this year. They were really fun. They are really supportive. I just love every second of being here.”

White Mountain said the state tournament experience will boost her confidence in future years, as she chases more trips to state. 

“It lets me know, ‘Hey I can do better next year for wrestling,’ ” White Mountain said. “I really love this.” 

White Mountain also hopes to serve as an ambassador for McLaughlin Mustangs wrestling, encouraging more girls to compete and to reach their goals. She’s the oldest of five current Mustang wrestlers. 

“Any girl out there who wants to do it, just don’t give up and believe,” White Mountain said.