Goodale finds the right fit in Augsburg University 

By Kristi Nixon

OSAGE — Osage senior Jalynn Goodale will be taking her wrestling talents to the women’s program at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minn., after signing her letter of intent on Tuesday, Nov. 22.

Goodale, who wrestled on the Green Devil boys’ third-place state dual team in 2021-22 and also finished state runner-up during the unsanctioned girls’ state third-place team finish, also last year, will have the opportunity to wrestle one season under sanctioning before she heads to college.

She said that Augsburg mirrored the type of program that the Green Devils run.

“I chose Augsburg because I really felt like it was the best fit for me,” Goodale said. “Coach-wise, facility-wise and obviously at the end of the day it comes down to academically, as well.

“And, just location. I really liked going up there – I thought the location was awesome – it’s close to home, but I’m far enough away that I’m not home.”

She added that although her immediate family is in Osage, she does have some she can turn to while at the university.

“I have family up there if I need that touch of home for a little bit on a random Tuesday night,” Goodale said. “Also, their wrestling atmosphere reminded me a lot of home. And, just the way things are, that important touch. The girls up there are all very kind. I didn’t get to meet them all right away, but I met most of them at practice, and they were all really sweet, very nice, and I could see myself there.”

Augsburg has a lifetime 11-4 dual record, not recording a dual season in 2020-21 due to COVID and has had a four-time national champion (Emily Shilson) at 109 pounds. Last year, the Auggies finished sixth in the Women’s College Wrestling Association tournament with four All-Americans, under coach Jake Short. Augsburg had 17 All-Americans total in both the WCWA and NWCA tournaments.

“They have been around for four years now,” Goodale said. “I mean, they are newer, but also they’ve proven that they are a good program, and it’s something I want to be a part of whether it’s new, old or in-between.”

When asked if she thought she would be stepping in to fill a role on the team right away, Goodale was uncertain.

“I don’t know yet,” she said, “but I’m thinking it might be right away, but I don’t know.”

According to Goodale, she plans to major in Business and pursue a minor in Digital Arts.