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Make it 5 women's wrestling teams
February 14, 2007
OKLAHOMA CITY --
Oklahoma City University announced plans Tuesday to add a women's wrestling program next year, joining only a handful of other U.S. schools that compete in the Olympic sport.
''If we're going to begin a sport, it's not bad in my opinion to be at the forefront of it,'' athletic director Jim Abbott said.
Oklahoma City joins only four other varsity women's college wrestling programs in the country, said Gary Abbott of USA Wrestling. There are also two club teams and one group of wrestlers that trains at the U.S. Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University.
Officials estimate about 5,000 girls wrestle at high schools across the country, and the sport has been growing rapidly in recent years. Women's wrestling was added to the Olympics in 2004.
The other women's varsity programs are at Menlo College in Atherton, Calif.; Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo.; Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore.; and the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky.
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Brooks heads to Northern Michigan
Klein wrestler Lindsey Brooks (top) will get what's nearly a full ride at Northern Michigan, according to her father.
Chronicle file
By TERRY CARTER
For The Chronicle2/14/07
Two-time state champion Lindsey Brooks will be attending Northern Michigan University in Marquette.
She earned a variety of grants and two academic scholarships nearly equivalent to a full scholarship, her father Mark Brooks said Friday.
Brooks (35-0) chose Northern Michigan because the university campus is a hotbed for Olympic hopefuls with full-time training.
"Northern Michigan has an Olympic Education Center for a lot of winter sports that aren't normally part of college athletics. They train Greco-Roman wrestling, women's wrestling, short track speed skating, boxing and weightlifting," Klein assistant coach Mark Brooks said.
Campos blazes trail at Morton Ranch
Ashley Campos (95 pounds) is the Mavericks' first state qualifier for the girls' wrestling program.
A sophomore, Campos (9-20) earned her pass to Austin via a wrestle back after finishing fifth. Campos suffered losses to Region III champion Heather Manhardt (23-4) of Katy Taylor and Sam Houston third-place finisher Maribel Ramirez (21-18).
She then defeated Cy Falls' Stephanie Valencia (6-18) in the wrestle back after earning fifth place via a default by Cy Ridge's Ivette Olivares.
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Mike English: Jupiter ref will work at state finals
Mike English February 14, 2007
Wrestling is a Hardy family tradition.
Paul Hardy was the first JHS wrestling coach back in the late 1960s and early 70s. All three of his sons — Jeff, Art and Mark — all wrestled for the Warriors. Jeff's son Carter wrestled when he was younger and in high school's Jeff future wife Pam as a stat girl for the Warriors.
Jeff is still an assistant coach for JHS and for the past 12 years, Pam has been the area's only female referee.
This weekend, Hardy will become the first female to officiate at the state wrestling tournament in Lakeland.
"I'm really excited about his," said Hardy, who is a long-time member of the Palm Beach County Officials Association. "I can't wait. I love it."
Hardy officiated at the regionals last year.
"I think if I had been with another association, I probably would never have made it this far," she said. "They (the FHSAA) named 15 of the 18 officials and I was right at the top."
Hardy is ready for the state meet, said Association official Don Persson.
"She's always at the top on all of our tests," he said. "We're really happy for her."
Jupiter head wrestling coach Doug Rasmusson started his post the same year the Hardy started to referee.
Rasmusson and Hardy have carried on a long-team coach-official relations since every since.
"I always tell her that she is as good as any other women referee but she really does a nice job," he said.
"The only thing I through she needed was the experience of knowing what things felt like (wrestling) but she's been around a wrestling mat ever since she was a kid," he said.
Rasmusson figures Hardy will "catch some heck" at the state meet just because she's a woman.
"Whether that's right or not — I don't really know. Right now, she's as good as anybody out there," he said.
Over the years, Rasmusson has had fun baiting officials, Hardy included.
"You have to have fun," he said. "If you go to some of these tournaments for three days and you are just not having fun, and you can't joke around with somebody, forget it.
"It's the same with the referees.
"I always make a point, at the end of a tournament or regionals, to thank the referees because of what they do for the kids," the coach said. "Maybe some of them really don't deserve it ... but ..."
At last months big John Raich Memorial Invitational tournament at Jupiter, Rasmusson introduced a couple of new awards — Sportsmanship Awards for coaches and an Outstanding Official.
The Outstanding Official was Mike Decker and the coach award (voted on by the referees) went to Fort Pierce Central's Pete Crespo.
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High School Wrestling - Grappling Girls
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
BRIAN T. SMITH Columbian staff writer
Hannah Reed, bottom against Camas teammate Lauren Reeves, is an alternate for the state tournament at 119 pounds. (MIKE SALSBURY/The Columbian)
Camas’ Hannah Reed, front, is an alternate in the 119-pound division at the girls state wrestling tournament. (MIKE SALSBURY/The Columbian)
Termae Rowshan, right practicing with Lauren Reeves, said she would be proud to win a girls state wrestling title for Camas. (MIKE SALSBURY/The Columbian) |
They all wrestle, and they all have different reasons why they started.
Camas junior Termae Rowshan wanted to lose weight, and was inspired by her older sister.
Papermakers freshman Hannah Reed had dreamed of playing football since the sixth grade, so wrestling was the next best thing.
Columbia River junior Sarah Rowen tried it on a whim.
Chieftains sophomore Chelsea Hostetter wanted to prove her friends wrong.
What unites all four girls is their love of high school wrestling, and their desire to be just as good as the boys they often battle in practice.
"Most of my friends didn't believe me when I told them I was going to start wrestling," said Hostetter, who was also a major contributor to the Chieftains' 2006 girls cross country team, which placed third at state. "It's fun to prove them wrong. It's a tough sport. But it's really rewarding if you keep working at it."
Rowen is considered one of the top female wrestlers in Southwest Washington. She wrestles in the 103-pound weight class, and is a serious contender for a state championship at Mat Classic, which begins Friday in Tacoma.
"Wrestling's very hard work and I love it," the spirited Rowen said. "I believe you should put value in everything you do. No one gives you anything in life. Wrestling represents that to me. The harder you work, the better you do."
When the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association decided to create a separate category at state for girls wrestling -- after three years of exhibitions in which girls who did not qualify for the state brackets competed in a round-robin format -- the decision had immediate ramifications.
Most coaches and female wrestlers championed it.
"I think it's very wise," Papermakers assistant coach Ken Huddleston said. "Some of these girls are starting to become very good. By creating a separate category for them, it allows them to build confidence and self-esteem. Before, they'd get to state, get thrown into a round robin, and kind of get ignored. They work hard all year. It's time it was properly recognized."
Rowshan, who will compete at Mat Classic in the 125-pound division, feels the same.
"We now get two weeks of qualifying, and there's a real tournament," she said. "We work too hard not to be rewarded for it. A lot of us would be proud to win state, and it wasn't really possible before."
Yet the decision by the WIAA had its opponents.
The Papermakers lost their top female wrestler this year, junior Melissa Watkins (103 pounds), who quit the team in protest of the WIAA's rule change.
Watkins won the 103-pound division at last year's 3A Greater St. Helens League meet, before falling just short of reaching the state tournament competing against boys.
"I'd worked my whole wrestling career to be good enough to compete against and beat boys," Watkins said. "That rule really affected me. I didn't think it's fair when I quit, and I still don't."
Despite the controversy, girls wrestling has definitely caught on.
Coaches Glen Hartman of Camas and Joe Reed of Columbia River said they see more girls trying out for their respective teams each successive year.
"I've definitely seen an increase in numbers," Reed said. "We have a couple young girls on our team now who are going to be really tough to beat by the time they're seniors."
Twenty-nine girls from Southwest Washington schools qualified for the Region II tournament which was held on Saturday in Tumwater.
And Rowen, Rowshan, Veronica Mendoza (119 pounds, Kelso), Christina Cox (130, La Center), Kayla Keeler (135, Hockinson), Chelssea Eakins (145, Washougal), Kylee Bishop (160, Washougal) and Alisha Beach (285, Kelso) will all compete at Mat Classic, while Hannah Reed will serve as an alternate in the 119 pound division.
"I think girls are getting into wrestling because it's so aggressive," Reed said. "Soccer and volleyball are fun, but there's not a lot of full-body contact. Wrestling is as close to football as girls can get. And for me, that's really fun and exciting."
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World champions Kristie Marano, Iris Smith promote sportsmanship in USOC poster and TV commercial
Michelle Thilges USA Wrestling
02/14/2007
World champion wrestlers Kristie Marano and Iris Smith have been featured by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) in a new public education campaign about sportsmanship.
USOC has announced its theme for the second year of their National Olympic Education Program. This year’s theme is “Real Athletes Are Good Sports” and focuses on sportsmanship among athletes of all levels, from kids to Olympians.
Marano, a 2000 and 2003 World champion, and Iris Smith, a 2005 World champion, are featured in a well-designed poster that commemorates what being a good sport is about, as well as a public service television commercial.
To preview the commercial and see the poster series, visit
http://elitemediagroup.tv/usoc_sportsmanship.htm
The poster depicts Marano and Smith shaking hands, a tradition in wrestling. The USOC defines sportsmanship as conduct and attitude that demonstrate gracious behavior before, during, and after competition. The wrestling handshake is a great example of sportsmanship in action.
Marano and Smith both compete at the same weight class, 72 kg/ 158.5 lbs., and are competing for the spot on the Olympic team. Their sportsmanship allows them to compete hard against each other and remain friends throughout the wrestling season.
Both Marano and Smith agree sportsmanship is important in all sports, at every age level.
“This program is great,” said Smith. “In women’s wrestling we go out there on the mat and are tough. It is important to have good sportsmanship because once you step off the mat, these are life-long friends. Sportsmanship is a necessity in every sport.”
Marano said it is important to stress sportsmanship at a young age.
“When kids learn sportsmanship, they show respect for themselves, their coaches and other teams,” she said. “It is necessary for all generations to learn sportsmanship.”
There are only a limited number of copies being printed of the posters. Smaller versions of the poster can be printed off the web site.
Hunter Kemper, a triathlon athlete, is also featured in a separate public service announcement.
Olympians and Paralympians involved with Athletes Advisory Council and Olympians Association filmed a video about sportsmanship to educate athletes and non-athletes alike on what sportsmanship is and why people should practice sportsmanship.
These athletes will also visit middle and high school students throughout the nation to speak about their history and experiences as athletes.
Last year’s theme was the “Olympic Value of Fair Play,” and it will continue to be used in the programs the USOC is putting on this year.
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Fraser Valley championship claimed by Sabres
By Rick Kupchuk
Staff Reporter
Feb 14 2007
With 12 wrestlers placing in the top three in their respective age groups, the Guildford Park Sabres boys team won its second Fraser Valley high school championship in the past three years.
The Sabres upset the province’s top-ranked team, the Rick Hansen Hurricanes, 137-83 last Saturday, and qualified 15 wrestlers for the provincial championships later this month at the Guildford Recreation Centre.
“This was a sound victory by the boys from Guildford Park, but should not reflect how the B.C.’s will end up,” said Sabres coach Mark McRae. “When you bring in (wrestlers from) all the other zones, Hansen’s top guys will still be scoring big points whereas that may not be the case for some of our guys.”
Arminder Virk at 74 kg. and O.C. Safar at 48 kg. again led the Sabres, each winning their weight class to remain undefeated against B.C. opponents this season, and not surrendering a point all tournament.
Mouhamed Midani won the 45 kg. title by beating 2006 B.C. bronze medalist Mike Grabber of Maple Ridge in the finals.
“Mo is now a serious medal contender and his emergence has come as no surprise to me,” said McRae. “I have seen potential in him all year at that weight class and he has become very focused of late.”
Satinder Virk won gold at 78 kg., the fourth first place finish by a Guildford Park wrestler. Silver medalists included Edir Bajo at 51 kg., Stephen Vandermeer at 84 kg. and Yak Al-Rekabi at 90 kg. Bryan Dougall at 51 kg., Lawrence Kasseberi at 38 kg., Zanah Palani at 60 kg., Sam Sepehry at 70 kg., Josh Beattie at 66 kg., and Zain Hussein at 130 kg. came away with bronze medals.
Muthana Maryoush in the 45 kg. class and Corey Gibson in the 84 kg. group also qualified for the provincial meet by placing fourth.
The Sabres had just four wrestlers in the girls competition, but it was enough to place third in the team standings.
Three of the girls won gold, led by Seveh Palani, who won the 51 kg. weight division and was named the Most Outstanding Female Wrestler.
Gina Carpenter won gold in the 54 kg. class, while Sally Nadison was first in the 69 kg. division.
Palani, Carpenter and Nadison all qualified for the provincials.
The Sabres will host the provincial championship meet Feb. 22-24.
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11 Raider wrestlers head to Tacoma Dome
By: Roger S. Lucas 02/14/2007
Meanwhile, in Moses Lake, Raider girls were making their mark in the Region 3 wrestling tournament there.
Two Raiders placed high enough to make it to state. Patty Davis placed second in the 103-pound division, and Teresa Deppman placed second at 130. The top two in each weight division go to state. This is the first year that girl wrestlers have their own full-blown state tournament, also in the Tacoma Dome this weekend.
Ann Thomas, wrestling in the 125 division, placed third and will go to state as an alternate.
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By RACHEL STERNObserver Reporter
Feb 14 2007
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Voyageur wrestlers pin gold
In the World Wrestling Entertainment broadcasts, wrestlers have fancy costumes and catchy names such as The Rock, The Undertaker and Hurricane Helms. They step into the ring surrounded by fans and take down their opponents.
While Voyageur elementary’s wrestling team competitions aren’t broadcast around the world, and they don’t have fancy costumes, they still have their loyal fans and the skills to defeat their opponents on the mat.
“Wrestling gives them a sense of self worth. People are cheering for you in spite of your size, looks or perceived disabilities,” coach Jody Schlottman said.
“Wrestling is an equalizer – you’re wrestling against people of different nationalities, boys against girls, different sizes and ages. There are people cheering you on because they want you to win and even if you don’t win you still feel good about yourself.”
Jan. 26-27, the Voyageur wrestling team competed at Williams Lake Wrestling Club Smackdown meet – their first and final competition of the year.
“It was my first tournament and I was happy. There were people standing and clapping for us,” Greg Petsul said.
Hannah Cooley, 10, Christina Keram, 10, and Cole Blaikie, 9, won gold.
Petsul, 9, Logan Reeve, 10, Haven Gillmaiere, 10, Paris Cavannah, 9, and Katelyn Carwford, 8, brought home bronze.
Chelsea Hardaker, 10, and Tonja Belcher, 10, brought home bronze participation medals.
“I was proud of myself winning gold,” Blaikie said.
“I thought it was worth it staying after school.”
Blaikie pinned all three of his opponents in his matches at the meet.
“The hardest thing to do is to pin someone. Pinning all three of your opponents doesn’t happen too often,” Schlottman said.
“That’s a special accomplishment he needs to be proud of.”
The wrestlers were happy with the competition and excited to bring home their medals.
“I was really nervous the first match, but when I won I felt more confident when I went to the second match,” Cooley said.
“It was the first year I’ve been to a meet and next year I’m going to do it again and try and get gold,” Gillmaiere added.
Schlottman said he was proud of the teams’ accomplishments.
“For our first year of full wrestling it was fabulous,” he said.
“They were competing against more experienced wrestlers and they just blew us away.”
Schlottman said wrestling gives them a sense of sportsmanship because no matter how they do in a match, they always shake hands with their opponent and coach at the end.
While it’s the second year the wrestling program was offered at Voyageur, it is the first year the group competed in a meet.
There aren’t a lot of competitions in the region and if they wanted to compete in more they would have to travel to the Lower Mainland.
“Next year we’re hoping to start wrestling clubs in all the Quesnel schools and get an inter-city tournament,” Schlottman said.
“We’re always looking for sponsors or volunteers.”
Schlottman works with Christine Gillmaiere and Page Sadler with the wrestlers. He also said Suresh Keram, who wrestled in high school, was a great help at the tournament.
For information on the Voyageur wrestling club, contact Sadler 992-2613.
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Wednesday, February 14, 2007
SPORTS
She’s no pushover! Gabrielle Henry, a junior and varsity wrestler at Briggs High School on Columbus’ Southwest Side, became the first female City League wrestling champion over the weekend. Gabrielle told The Dispatch last week: "Before I get on the mat I get questions like, ‘You wrestle? You must be good.’ Then I get out there, and they are like, ‘Wow!’ "
