Fort Osage High School freshman Ariel Biggs is wasting no time announcing her arrival on the Missouri girls wrestling scene.
Currently ranked No. 1 at 140 pounds, Biggs has quickly established herself as one of the top freshmen in the state. Through the early portion of the season, she boasts an impressive 25–2 record, highlighted by marquee performances at some of the region’s most competitive tournaments. Against elite, often older competition, Biggs has proven that her success is no fluke; it’s the result of years of preparation, composure, and confidence beyond her age.
One of the defining moments of Biggs’ season came at the prestigious KC Stampede. In a thrilling semifinal bout, she knocked off FloWrestling’s No. 1 ranked high school wrestler in the nation at 135 pounds. Biggs set the tone immediately, scoring a takedown just seconds into the match. What followed was a hard-fought, back-and-forth battle over three intense periods, ending in an 8–6 decision victory for the Fort Osage freshman. Biggs went on to earn a runner-up finish at the 2026 KC Stampede, further cementing her status as a rising star.
The momentum continued the following weekend in Columbia, Missouri, at The Wonder Woman Tournament. There, Biggs delivered one of the most impressive wins of her young high school career—a dramatic overtime victory in the finals over St. Genevieve junior Keely Fallert. Fallert, a returning state finalist and reigning state champion, brought both experience and pedigree to the mat. Biggs rose to the challenge, securing the win and making a powerful statement about her place among Missouri’s elite.
While her high school success has been eye-catching, Biggs entered Fort Osage with an already accomplished résumé. She owns 4 Missouri USA Youth State titles and has represented Missouri on the national stage multiple times. That strong foundation has eased the transition to high school competition, even as she adjusts to new coaching voices and a different team environment.
“I’ve only grown up with a couple of coaches,” Biggs said. “I’ve learned to accept new coaches. I’ve had the same coaches my whole life, and now I’m learning that there are different sides to wrestling and different ways coaches coach.”
Despite wrestling up a weight class and facing the pressure that comes with high expectations, Biggs remains remarkably steady. She approaches major tournaments with a clear but grounded mindset, focusing on performance rather than hype.
“I don’t really like to set my goals too high,” she explained. “I like to keep level-headed goals that I know I can beat.”
Pressure has followed Biggs throughout her career, but it’s something she’s learned to manage rather than fear. Years of competing at a high level have taught her emotional control and focus; tools that continue to serve her well under the bright lights of high school competition.
When asked about joining an already established Fort Osage girls wrestling program, Biggs had nothing but praise for the team culture.
“The people are great – my friends, my coaches, everyone on the team is amazing,” she said. “Everyone is there for you. It’s great.”
That support system has allowed Biggs to thrive, and Fort Osage appears to be doing everything right to foster both individual growth and team success.
Perhaps the most telling moment of the interview came when Biggs was asked what advice she would give to younger girls considering wrestling but feeling hesitant.
“Do it,” she said without hesitation. “Just wrestle, honestly. You’re going to find some kind of passion in it—something that you love. Just go out and try. That’s the best thing you can do.”
With her poise, talent, and work ethic, Ariel Biggs is not just a promising freshman; she’s a name Missouri girls wrestling fans will be hearing for years to come. Watch for Ariel this coming Friday as Fort Osage heads to Kearney for the KMO Cowbelle Duals.