SIOUX FALLS — Quinn Butler did it. 

The Lemmon High School senior wrestler captured her elusive girls state wrestling championship on Saturday at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. 

The long-awaited state title came after years of frustrations and runner-up finishes. Prior to her state championship, Butler placed second three times and third twice. 

“I kind of can’t believe it,” Butler said. “Because I have been the runner-up three times and this is my year — senior year.” 

Butler made quick work of her opponent, Rapid City Central’s Langston Huffman. Butler pinned Huffman at the 1:31 mark, capping off a 47-0 senior season. 

“I wanted to get it done as quickly as possible and as easy as possible,” Butler said. “I wrestled her last week at regions and went into the second period. My goal was to finish it in the first period. I wanted to get the job done.” 

Once she accomplished her ultimate goal, Butler said the moment was special for her years of hard work chasing the state championship. 

“It feels really rewarding,” Butler said. “I put in a lot of work to get to where I am and I am really grateful to everybody for this state title.”

She also made Lemmon High School history. She’s the first-ever Lemmon girl to win a state title, and just the second champ from the school since 1965. Lemmon heavyweight Tony Lorenz was the last Lemmon state champ.  

“I couldn’t really believe it and then when I got off the mat my coach told me it's been 61 years since my school has had a state champ,” Butler said. “So that’s really cool to be able to do that for my school.”

Butler intends to compete collegiately, but is currently undecided on her college choice. Butler’s Lemmon wrestling legacy, however, is secure and she stamped it with her state championship. 

“It’s a great school, great community,” Butler said. “I have amazing coaches, and teammates that motivate me. They helped me keep going and they're the reason why I have this state title.”