Adam Papin/MDN Wendal Ebach and Angela Ebach watch as their daughter Megan Ebach signs her National Letter of Intent (NLI) to wrestle at Minot State University.

Two years ago, Megan Ebach had never wrestled before.

On Monday, Ebach signed her National Letter of Intent to continue in the sport at Minot State University.

“She picked up on doing a lot of things really well and really quick,” said Minot High School girls wrestling coach Mitchell Myer. “She took some lumps that first year with just not having a lot of mat time; just learning positions and what to do in certain situations.”

Ebach started wrestling because she wanted to try something new, and because she wanted to prove that you try anything new at any age. She quickly fell in love with the atmosphere in the [wrestling] room and connecting with all her teammates, whom she enjoyed having fun with.

As a junior, in her first year wrestling, Ebach posted a 4-14 record, before posting a 16-16 record as a senior. Ebach also was a two-time state qualifier for the Majettes.

To Myer, it’s clear why Ebach was able to improve so quickly. “Her work ethic has always been really, really good.”

During the summer between her junior and senior season, Ebach attended a wrestling camp in Devils Lake to further focus on technique. She also spent time in the weight room and started powerlifting.

“All of that combined, really helped her mature into the wrestler that she is right now.” said Myer.

According to Myer, Ebach is everything a coach could ask for, coming to practice every day, working hard and doing all the right things.

“The kids are able to look up to that and say, ‘I can do this and not complain,’ and they see the result, and she had an unbelievable season with what she did this year and where she’s come from,” said Myers.

Ebach is both the first senior in Minot High’s girls wrestling since the program started in 2022, and the first wrestler to compete at the collegiate level.

“If the girls want to compete at the college level, there’s plenty of opportunities and Megan definitely found the right fit,” said Myer.

Ebach plans to study exercise science and rehabilitation while at Minot State. She chose MSU because it is both close to home and affordable. Ebach also spoke about the team having a good atmosphere.

Prior to starting wrestling, Ebach played basketball, and she currently throws discus and shot put for the Minot High girls track and field team.

“We’re super proud,” said Myer. “We’re gonna definitely miss her in the room. We love having her, and her work ethic is going to be something we’re gonna miss in the room for the girls to look up to.”