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(Xinhua, April 24) -- The world boxing Federation has ruled out Nigeria's automatic qualification for the 2008 Olympic Games in two female weight categories, following protests by Tunisia Wrestling Federation (TWF), according to a local sports radio station brilafm reports.

Daniel Igali, the national wrestling coach Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) in Lagos on Wednesday informed the local sports radio station that the country was culpable of the plight.

He said the federation is fighting hard to overturn the judgment in Nigeria's favor or at least gain some sort of concession from the world wrestling governing body.

The former Canadian representative and Commonwealth Games ex-champion said the decision was not political, but hinged it on failure of the Nigerian team to arrive at Dubai on schedule, due to lack of funds.

"The Tunisians are protesting against some errors and other lapses in the registration of the two female wrestlers, they have a valid case against Nigeria and I think we have to respect them," he said.

He added that the country had some lapses while making its presentations and it was due to late arrival for the competition.

"We just hope the world body would review the case in our favor, based on arguments that the wrestlers eventually qualified before the protests came," he said.

The former Olympic and world freestyle wrestling champion also pointed out that all hope is not lost, saying the wrestling federation has an equally good case to present and remained upbeat the ruling could eventually go Nigeria's way.

Nigeria runs the risk of losing her slots in wrestling in the forthcoming Beijing 2008 Olympics as the International Wrestling body, FILA move to rule out the country’s automatic qualification for the Games in two female weight categories, following protests by Tunisia.

LAS VEGAS: Patricia Miranda thought her wrestling days were over after she won a bronze medal in the Athens Olympics.

"I actually retired for about eight months and was content with just going to school," said Miranda, who earned her law degree from Yale last year. "But, even though I left, I still was running and rolling around."

On Thursday, Mirana beat Stephanie Murata 5-0, 1-0 in the 105.5-pound division final in the U.S. National Wrestling Championships to move within two matches of returning to the Olympics.

Champions in the three-day event will advance to the best-of-three Olympics Trials finals this June, also in Las Vegas. The top seven finishers Thursday also reached the trials.

"You try to catch yourself when you daydream about (the Olympics)," Miranda said. "But, in my head, I'm thinking about Beijing and improving on the bronze medal."

The 28-year-old Miranda only gave up two points in winning all four of her matches at the championships, including two victories by pin.

The national stage is far from her three years in law school when she split time between the wrestling room and library at Yale. She trained with high school grapplers in New Haven, Conn.

"The Yale gym had a broken window they never fixed all three years I was there," she said. "High school coaches would tell their kids to come train with an Olympian."

In other action, Marcie Van Dusen dropped the first period of her 112.25-pound championship with Jenny Wong, but rallied for a 0-1, 2-0, 6-0 win to also qualify for the trials.

"I think about (the Olympics) all the time," Van Dusen said. "Every night when I go to bed and each morning when I wake up, I think about winning that final match and standing on the podium."

Also, third-seeded Randi Miller had the biggest upset of the championship round when she beat top-seeded Sara McMann 2-1, 4-0 for the 138.75-pound title. McMann is a six-time national champion.

"I believe so," Miller said when asked if her win was an upset. "I try not to think too much about that (who is favored)."

Kristie Marano, a nine-time world medalist and one of female wrestling's more recognizable competitors, took fourth after losing in the consolation finals of the 158.5-pound division to Iris Smith 1-0, 2-0.

Ali Bernard won the 158.5 division with a 0-1, 2-2, 2-1 victory over Katie Downing. The division is considered one of the event's most competitive.

"I wanted to do my best and my best was good enough for first place," Bernard said.

Marano initially competed in judo but gave it up because she must wear a knee brace, which isn't allowed. She has excelled in her second sport, winning nine world-level medals—more than any American wrestler except two-time Olympic heavyweight champion Bruce Baumgartner, who medaled in four Olympics and nine world championships.

When women's wrestling became an Olympic sport in 2004, Marano was at the peak of her career as a two-time world champion at age 25. As the U.S. national champion, she would have skipped the first two days of the Olympic trials and advanced to the 138 3/4-pound finals.

One problem: She didn't make weight, missing by a pound. That forced her to jump nearly 20 pounds to 158 1/2 pounds, a huge leap in a sport where even a two- or three-pound weight differential can be huge. She made it to the trial finals against national champion Toccara Montgomery, but wore down against her bigger opponent and lost both matches in the best-of-three finals.

The less-experienced Sara McMann took advantage of Marano's absence at 138 3/4 pounds to advance to the Olympic final, almost winning a gold medal until losing a lead late in the match.

"All of a sudden, I'm in Indianapolis (at the trials) and I have to start all over, refocus on how to make things work while having a huge deficit in weight," said Marano, whose natural weight is about 147 pounds. "I almost did it."

Of course, almost isn't a gold medal, so Marano is back this year at the higher weight in what almost certainly is her last chance to make the Olympics. While she has not won a world championship since 2003, she was second last year and third in 2006 and is currently ranked No. 2 behind Bulgaria's Stanka Zlateva.

Her main competition in Las Vegas could come from Iris Smith, a 2005 world champion, and Stephany Lee, a past university world champion.

"I'm kind of old—I'm going against a lot of college kids and sometimes even high school kids but, on the other hand, I do have a lot of experience and it does help me out a lot," said the 29-year-old Marano, a native of Albany, N.Y., who trains at the Olympic center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Her biggest asset might be her ability to adapt on the mat, which may have come from wrestling regularly against those two brothers.

"I don't know how to describe myself because I'm not a big thinker on the mat," she said. "I'm so focused on the mat, five minutes later I don't know how I won. I figure stuff out while I'm wrestling. Sometimes I'll hit a move, and I don't know where it comes from."

Some of that flexibility comes from juggling wrestling, a part-time job and raising 9-year-old daughter Kayla, an aspiring wrestler herself.

Among the other women's favorites are 121-pounder Marcie Van Dusen, who recently upset 2004 Olympic champion Saori Yoshida; 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Patricia Miranda, who has dropped back to 105 1/2 pounds and McMann, a world bronze medalist last year who returns at 138 3/4.

Four years ago, women's wrestling made its Olympic debut in Athens. Today's tournament is the first step in the selection process for the Beijing Olympics, and the field is wide open.

"It's getting tougher and tougher as the years go on. People are starting to excel in the sport," says Marano, 29, a two-time world champion from Albany, N.Y., who has won nine world medals overall.

Marano will wrestle in the 158.5-pound class that includes 2005 world champion Iris Smith, former World University Games champion Stephany Lee and two-time world bronze medalist Katie Downing, who has moved up from 147.5.

Terry Steiner, national women's coach for USA Wrestling, has seen the competitive level rise. "When the national program started in 2002, we had two years to get ready for Athens," Steiner says.

"A lot of the same girls have gotten that much more time within the system, and a lot of them have improved significantly. You want to see that depth in there."

The field of 102 women in Las Vegas will wrestle in seven weight classes. There are four classes in women's Olympic wrestling: 105.5, 121, 138.75 and 158.5. The U.S. champions in the Olympic weights will be the top seeds in the U.S. Olympic team trials June 13-15 in Las Vegas.

KEYSER, W.Va. -

The 17th annual Katharine Church Awards will be held at 6 p.m. on April 23 at the Wind Lea Conference Center.
Three nominees have been chosen — Julie Hotchkiss, Christina Koontz, and Kourtni Roby.
Hotchkiss is the daughter of Karen Ravenscroft and Greg Hotchkiss of Keyser.
She’s been involved with cross country, track, concert band, Ski and Key Clubs, and wrestling during her tenure at Keyser High School — culminating to captain status during her senior year.
In addition, she has been involved in community activities such as open-running races, wrestling tournaments, 4-H, swimming pool lifeguard, volunteering at youth wrestling and Sunday School at Calvary United Methodist, and two-year, part-time work at the Keyser Dairy Queen.
Christna Koontz, daughter of Jim and Patsy Koontz of Keyser, has been involved in KHS varisty soccer (captain), basketball team (captain), KHS track, voted “Most Athletic,” and has represented Keyser High at various statewide sporting events.
Academically, Koontz has been a full-term honor roll student, is graduating in the top half of her class, held 12 college credit hours, and participated in the 2008 state HOSA competition, where KHS finished in third place.
She’s been involved in the Keyser Krazies, Key Club, and SADD.
Additionally, Koontz is a member of Grace United Methodist Church and has assisted in American Red Cross blood drives.
She’s an intern student Progessive Physical Therapy, and has taken piano lessons for six years.
Kourtni Roby, daughter of Jeff and Karen Roby of Keyser, has received a distinguished status on her writing assessment, has been on the honor roll for her full KHS tenure, is a Goldsworthy Scholar, and volunteers at Heartland of Keyser.
She’s working as an intern at Progressive Physical Therapy in Keyser and has completed coursework at the Mineral County Technical Center, including: Health Care Fundamentals; Concepts of Health Care; Clinical Concepts of Health Care; Medical Technology; and Diversified Clinical (a CNA program).
Roby is a member of the Allegany Baptist Temple.
Athletically, she’s been involved with the basketball team, lettered in varsity, played soccer and ran track, played in the senior all-star game, and has been active in track.
She’s been a member of HOSA, Key Club, Keyser Krazies, Ski Club, Youth Alive, SADD, and RAZE.
This is a small sample of what these Keyser High School seniors have achieved on the way to the Katherine Church nominations.
The Church Awards rose out of the lack of young women representation in academic, social, and civic endeavors, as young men were with the J. Edward Kelley Award.
They chose Katharine Church as the award namesake.
Church was a piano teacher who taught at Keyser High School and Potomac State College.
Friends remember Church as a remarkable, dignified woman with a great sense of humor.
As a young woman, Church was a missionary who spent time on an Indian reservation in Oklahoma.
She was an organist for the Presbyterian Church.
Church served as a role model, reminding students that academic, social, athletic, and civic education make a well-rounded school life and builds preparedness for the future.
Church passed away in 2002.

Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
04/24/2008

LAS VEGAS, NEV. – With the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling just weeks away, the 2008 U.S. Women’s National Championships had special significance Thursday night at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The champions in the four Olympic weight classes earned a spot in the best-of-three championship series at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nev., June 13-15.

Claiming a national title at an Olympic division was 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Patricia Miranda (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) at 48 kg/105.5 lbs. Miranda defeated 2001 World silver medalist Stephanie Murata (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) in the championship finals, 6-0, 1-0.

In the first period, Miranda threw Murata for a three-point takedown, turned her and pressed her towards the mat, just missing a fall as time ran out. In the second period, Miranda scored the only takedown for the win. It was Miranda’s seventh career U.S. Nationals title.

“I guess the sentiment is I dare to dream but you always sort of catch yourself when your mind gets too far ahead of where you are in the season,” said Miranda about her victory. “But I have dared to pick up my head and look to Beijing, dream that I can be there, and dream that I can better my bronze medal finish into gold. It’s such a blessing and I really appreciate all the help that’s gone into it.”

Miranda is competing at 48 kg for the first time at the U.S. Nationals since 2004. In 2005, she took a year off to concentrate on her first year at Yale Law School. In 2006 and 2007, she competed up at 51 kg. Miranda dropped down to 48 kg earlier this winter.

The top seven placewinners in the four Olympic weight classes (48 kg, 55 kg, 63 kg, 72 kg) and the top four placewinners in the three non-Olympic weight classes (51 kg, 59 kg, 67 kg) qualify to compete at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. This is the major qualifying event for the Trials.

In an upset, Randi Miller (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC) defeated 2004 Olympic silver medalist Sara McMann (Gaffney, S.C/Sunkist Kids), 2-1, 4-0. It was Miller’s first U.S. Nationals title. Miller was named Outstanding Wrestler for her victory.

In the first period, Miller broke a 1-1 tie with a takedown late in the period to win. In the second period, Miller controlled the action, with two takedowns and two stepouts to score all four points. Miller had beaten McMann two previous times, but not at an event of this significance.

“Winning and losing, I try to keep that out of my head. I’m going to go out there, I’m fight hard as I can, and I’m going to have fun. That’s just what goes through my head before matches,” said Miller. “To have a win against someone like Sara (McMann) is always going to help. Reminding yourself you can do it will always help you.”

The champions in the two other Olympic weight classes were Marcie Van Dusen (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) at 55 kg/121 lbs. and Ali Bernard (New Ulm, Minn./Gator WC) at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.

Van Dusen defeated 2003 World bronze medalist Jenny Wong (Gaffney, S.C./Sunkist Kids) in the finals, It was her second U.S. Nationals title in a row.

Wong won the first period, scoring a takedown from the clinch. In the second period, Van Dusen scored a pair of takedowns in the second period to knot up the match. In the deciding third period, Van Dusen scored four takedowns and a two-point exposure for the technical fall.

Bernard defeated two-time World bronze medalist Katie Downing (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids), 0-1, 2-2, 1-0. It was Bernard’s second career national title. Downing won the first period, defending against the leg clinch. The second period went to Bernard on a two-point takedown. The deciding third period was won on the leg clinch, with Bernard scoring the takedown.

Both finalists defeated past World champions in the semifinals. Downing defeated two-time World champion Kristie Marano (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) and Bernard stopped 2005 World champion Iris Smith (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army). Smith defeated Marano in the bronze medal match.

None of the champions at the non-Olympic weight classes have previously won a U.S. Senior Nationals title. Capturing their first national crowns were Jessica Medina (Pomona, Calif./New York AC) at 51 kg/112.25 pounds, Erin Tomeo (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids at 59 kg/130 lbs. and Stefenie Shaw (Waterford, Conn./New York AC) at 67 kg/147.5 lbs.

Medina defeated high school star Helen Maroulis (Rockville, Md./New York AC), 3-0, 3-0 in the finals. Medina won the first period with a three-point takedown from the clinch, and scored the only takedowns in the second period.

Tomeo pinned Othella Lucas (San Diego, Calif./New York AC) late in the second period. Tomeo won the first period with two takedowns. The second period was wide open, with both wrestlers putting their opponents into danger. The period was back and forth, with the score tied at 3-3, 5-5 and 6-6 before Tomeo turned and pinned Lucas with eight seconds left on the clock.

Shaw defeated Sara Hilliard (Lawrence, Kansas/OCU Stars) in the finals, 2-0, 6-0. She scored two first-period takedowns, and was able to open up the offense during the second period with a number of gut wrench exposures.

The Fulp-Allen sisters, Sara at 48 kg/105.5 pounds and Katherine at 51 kg/112.25 lbs., both won bronze medals at their weight classes.

There is one more qualifying event for women wrestlers for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, the Northern Plains Olympic Regional Trials in Waterloo, Iowa, May 8-10. The champions at each weight class at that event qualify for the Olympic Team Trials.

Elizabeth Wiley USA Wrestling
04/24/2008

48 kg/105.5 lbs. - Patricia Miranda, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
“One thing that we train is stay very calm through what seems like a change in momentum because the points are never done until the points are done. Whenever you attack you have to give up something in order to do that.”

(On whether or not she had a pin…)
“You fall on one side of the coin or the other, all of us have been lucky to not have a quick pin called so I guess I never really question the ref. But I wouldn’t have been surprised had they slapped the mat, either. I really respect the referees call.”

(On being two wins from Olympics…)
“I guess the sentiment is I dare to dream but you always sort of catch yourself when your mind gets too far ahead of where you are in the season. But I have dared to pick up my head and look to Beijing, dream that I can be there, and dream that I can better my bronze medal finish into gold. It’s such a blessing and I really appreciate all the help that’s gone into it.”

51 kg/112 lbs. - Jessica Medina, Pomona, Calif. (New York AC)
(On getting the win…)
“I wish I could say I’m satisfied, but I’m not. The Trials are in June and I will just be training until then.”

(On building momentum…)
“I wasn’t sure what my plans were. I just came here to wrestle, came here to be a presence and see what I could do. My main focus is in June.”

(On dropping down a weight…)
“It will definitely take a lot of discipline.”

(On a chance to chase her dreams…)
“I’m a senior at Cumberlands and I’ve been working hard for four years, longer than that. For the Olympics to be part of my dream is just great.”

55 kg/121 lbs. - Marcie Van Dusen, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
(On making changes after the first period…)
“I needed to make some adjustments. I went to my corner and my coach had some good advice, moving her around and setting her up a little, and it worked.”

(On how well she knew Jenny Wong…)
“Oh yeah, Jenny (Wong) and I are really good friends actually. We’ve trained together for the past five years and she just moved last year. I know her really well. I know her wrestling style well and she’s a really great girl.”

(On her improvement from the last year…)
“I’m so much better. My confidence is up a lot and my moves are flowing one to another to another. I just feel like it’s my year and I’m going to do it.”

59 kg/130 lbs. - Erin Tomeo, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
(On finally winning a national championship after being on the World Team…)
“It’s very odd. That was a stepping stone that I needed to make happen for myself so I stayed up at 59 kg to concentrate on my wrestling. I definitely have to move to an Olympic weight.

(On why she stayed at this weight…)
“I just wanted to focus on my fundamental basics and make sure that I am feeling strong.”

(On turning around from nearly getting pinned…)
“I should have never gotten in that position in the first place. That would be the first step. I had too many seconds and I wasn’t going to stop on my back. I knew I’d give up my arm before I got pinned. I kept fighting and shook it off as soon as I stood up. That’s really what I had to do, not even think about it once I put my foot on the line.”

63 kg/138.25 lbs. - Randi Miller, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
(On if she’s an underdog…)
“Yeah, I believe so, she’s been number one for a long time.”

(On her strategy going in…)
“Winning and losing, I try to keep that out of my head. I’m going to go out there, I’m fight hard as I can, and I’m going to have fun. That’s just what goes through my head before matches.”

(On rushing Sara and using her quickness…)
“I work on those things everyday. I believe in the push out as much as the double leg. I work on it daily, as well as other skills.”

(On her previous win against Sara…)
“To have a win against someone like Sara (McMann) is always going to help. Reminding yourself you can do it will always help you.”

(On going from the hunter to the hunted…)
“I am always going to be the hunter.”

67 kg/147.5 lbs. - Stefenie Shaw, Waterford, Conn. (New York AC)
“I chose to go this weight because I am still a little big for 63 kg, but I plan to go down for Trials. I wrestled where I was and I’m comfortable at this weight, and I am also comfortable lower. I’m going down for Trials. Any National title is great.”

(On the four weights for the Olympics…)
“Fortunately one of those weights is near me. I also hope that women’s wrestling gets enough credentials to get all of our weights. For now, competition is better because we are clustered in. I just hope we get all our weight classes.”

(On getting momentum…)
“I try to wrestle my hardest and be the most aggressive I can in every match. It’s not really trying to dominate a weight class per say. You know, anyone I step on the mat with I want to leave with the message ‘don’t come back.’”

72 kg/158.5 lbs. - Ali Bernard, New Ulm, Minn. (Gator WC)
“I got my confidence back. I’ve kind of been in a rut the last couple years. I needed this. I’m going to train hard until the Olympic Trials.”

(On how she got her confidence back…)
“I want it now. I’m getting old, I guess. I just turned 22 and it’s time to kick it up.”

(On Katie’s momentum from the semifinal…)
“After my semifinals I was pretty pumped. I beat Iris one other time and I didn’t beat her like that before. I feel pretty good.”

(On where she ranked herself going in to this weekend…)
“I had no clue. I had a hectic week last week. I had my finals and everything. I just wanted to come in and try my best. I guess my best is first this time.”

Jason Townsend USA Wrestling
04/24/2008

48 kg/105.5 lbs.

Stephanie Murata, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) vs. Patricia Miranda, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
Patricia Miranda wins 6-0, 1-0
First Period:
Miranda scores a three-point throw and follows up with a gutwrench for two points and holds Murata for one point back exposure. Miranda wins the period 6-0.
Second Period:
Miranda spins behind for a one-point takedown and wins the period 1-0.

51 kg/112.25 lbs.

Jessica Medina, Pomona, Calif. (New York AC) vs. Helen Maroulis, Rockville, Md. (New York AC)
Jessica Medina wins 3-0, 3-0
First Period:
Medina scores three points on the single leg clinch and wins the round 3-0.
Second Period:
Medina scores a one point takedown.
Medina spins behind and scores a one point takedown.
Medina spins behind and scores another one point takedown and wins the round 3-0

55 kg/121 lbs.

Marcie Van Dusen, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) vs. Jenny Wong, Gaffney, S.C. (Sunkist Kids)
Van Dusen wins 0-1, 2-0, 6-0
First Period:
Wong scores the one point push out and wins the round 1-0
Second Period:
Van Dusen scores a one point takedown.
Van Dusen scores a one point takedown.
Van Dusen wins the round 2-0
Third Period:
Van Dusen scores a one point takedown.
Van Dusen scores a takedown and two point for back exposure.
Van Dusen scores another takedown and wins the round 6-0

59 kg/130 lbs.

Othella Lucas, San Diego, Calif. (New York AC) vs. Erin Tomeo, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
Erin Tomeo by Fall.
First Period:
Tomeo one point push out.
Tomeo one point takedown.
Tomeo wins round 2-0
Second Period:
Lucas scores a three point takedown.
Tomeo one point push out.
Tomeo two point back exposure
Lucas two point back exposure and reversal.
Tomeo reverses Lucas.
Tomeo takes Lucas down and gets a Fall.

63 kg/138.75 lbs.

Sara McMann, Gaffney, S.C. (Sunkist Kids) vs. Randi Miller, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Gator WC)
Randi Miller wins 2-1, 4-0
First Period:
Miller scores a one point takedown.
McMann scores a one point push out.
Miller spins behind for one point takedown
Miller wins the round 2-1
Second Period:
Miller scores with a push out.
Miller spins behind for one point.
Miller scores again with a push out.
Miller spins behind for one point
Miller wins 4-0

67 kg/147.5 lbs.

Sara Hilliard, Lawrence, Kansas (OCU Stars) vs. Stefenie Shaw, Waterford, Conn. (New York AC)
Stefanie Shaw wins 2-0, 6-0
First Period:
Shaw scores a one point takedown.
Shaw scores a one point push out.
Shaw wins the round 2-0
Second Period:
Shaw spins behind for one point takedown.
Shaw scores a two point gutwrench.
Shaw scores another two point gutwrench.
Shaw scores a one point takedown.
Shaw wins the round 6-0

72 kg/158.5 lbs.

Katie Downing, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) vs. Ali Bernard, New Ulm, Minn. (Gator WC)
Ali Bernard wins 0-1, 2-2, 1-0
First Period:
Downing wins the single leg clinch and wins the round 1-0
Second Period:
Downing scores a one point takedown.
Bernard scores two points for back exposure.
Downing scores a one point takedown.
Bernard wins the round 2-2 on a tie breaker.
Third Period:
Bernard wins the coin toss for the single leg clinch and scores a one point takedown to win the round 1-0

Elizabeth Wiley USA Wrestling
04/24/2008

Silver medalist Sara McMann (Gaffney, S.C./Sunkist Kids) and bronze medalist Patricia Miranda (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) are both set to compete in the finals for their respective weight classes at the 2008 Senior Women’s Freestyle Nationals in Las Vegas.

McMann will take on Randi Miller (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC) at 63 kg/138.75 lbs., a match up the could very well be a preview of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials finals.

To reach the finals, McMann pinned Karen Howe (The Woodlands, Texas/Missouri Valley) 11 seconds into the first period and Nena Garcia (Clyde, Ohio/Cumberlands) after 35 seconds had gone by in the second. She then took down Elena Pirozkhova (Colorado Springs, Colo./Gator WC), 14-2, 3-1. Pirozkhova has dropped down from 67 kg/147.5 lbs. to have a shot at making the Olympic Team.

“I faced some young girls early in the tournament and then I wrestled Elena who was ranked second in the weight class above me,” said McMann. “She had has some really good performances in international competitions and is tough.”

Miranda will face Stephanie Murata (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) in a featured championship bout, with the first and second-seeded wrestlers in the 48 kg/105.5 lbs. weight class.

Miranda wrestled less than a minute and a half in her first two matches combined. She pinned Lauren Tallman (Norwalk, Conn./Menlo) 44 seconds into the first match and Carnie Yeik (Unattached) in 45 seconds in the second match. Then she faced Clarissa Chun (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids) in a match that needed all three periods to decide the victor, 0-1, 4-1, 1-0.

While this tournament, and these championship bouts, are important for McMann and Miranda as they work towards a second trip to the Olympics, both women know this is just part of the journey.

“Overall, this tournament is just a step in the process of getting to the Olympics,” said McMann. “It’s nice to have that top seed and sit out the first day while everyone else battles. As an Olympic medalist I know that I can go through the challenge tournament and win if I need to.”

That doesn’t mean McMann or Miranda is going to take it easy. They both have their eye set on the ultimate prize, an Olympic gold medal, and they plan on winning every match it takes to get there.

“I’m 100 percent confident,” said McMann. “That’s how I train. I wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t. You don’t give up everything that you have to for wrestling if that’s not your mind set.”

Gary Abbott USA Wrestling
04/23/2008

Kristie Marano (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) was named 2007 Women’s Wrestler of the Year by USA Wrestling. It is the fifth time in her career and the second year in a row that Marano has won this prestigious award (1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007).

Marano was a World silver medalist at 72 kg/158.5 lbs. in women’s freestyle wrestling at the World Wrestling Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan in September. It was the top performance by a U.S. wrestler at the competition.

At the World Championships, Marano won three straight matches to qualify for the finals. She defeated Agnieska Wieczczek of Poland, 3-0, 1-0, then pinned Maider Under of Spain in the second match, 1-0, 1-6, 1:13. In the semifinals, she pinned 2004 Olympic silver medalist Guzel Manurova of Russia in 49 seconds. In the gold-medal match, Marano dropped a 3-0, 3-0 decision to 2006 World champion Stanka Zlateva of Bulgaria.

Marano tied a U.S. record for all three styles by winning her ninth World medal. Amazingly, she’s won a medal in all nine trips to the Worlds, going nine-for-nine in her career. She tied men's freestyle superstar Bruce Baumgartner with nine World medals.

She won a gold medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, in July, the major multi-sport event held every four years. Marano was one of two U.S. champions in women's freestyle wrestling. She pinned Canada’s Ohenewa Akuffo in the gold medal finals in the first period.

Marano won the title at the U.S. World Team Trials in Las Vegas, Nev. in June. It was her seventh career victory at the World Team Trials. She defeated Stephany Lee of the Sunkist Kids in the finals series in two straight matches. She also won the title at the U.S. Nationals championships in Las Vegas, Nev. in April. It was her ninth career U.S. Nationals gold medal, tieing her for second in history among U.S. women wrestlers. She pinned 2005 World champion Iris Smith of the U.S. Army in the finals.

She also won a silver medal at the Warsaw Cup in Warsaw, Poland in August. Her only loss was to 2006 World champion Stanka Zlateva of Bulgaria.

Marano is a U.S. Olympic Training Center resident athlete. She is originally from Albany, N.Y., where she competed on the wrestling team at Colonie Central High School.

PAST WOMEN'S WRESTLER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
2007 – Kristie Marano, Colorado Springs, Colo., New York AC
2006 – Kristie Marano, Colorado Springs, Colo., New York AC
2005 – Iris Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. U.S. Army
2004 - Sara McMann, Lock Haven, Pa., Sunkist Kids
2003 - Patricia Miranda, Colorado Springs, Colo., Dave Schultz WC
2002 - Kristie Marano, Albany, N.Y., ATWA
2001 - Toccara Montgomery, Cleveland, Ohio, Sunkist Kids
2000 - Kristie Marano, Albany, N.Y., ATWA
1999 - Tricia Saunders, Phoenix, Ariz., Sunkist Kids
1998 - Kristie Stenglein, Albany, N.Y., ATWA
1997 - Sandra Bacher, San Jose, Calif., Dave Schultz WC
1996 - Tricia Saunders, Phoenix, Ariz., Sunkist Kids
1995 - Vickie Zummo, Hamburg, N.J., New York AC
1994 - Shannon Williams, Ontario, Calif., Sunkist Kids
1993 - Tricia Saunders, Phoenix, Ariz., Sunkist Kids

CANADA

Balfour and Takahashi win Canadian National Wrestling Gold, Silver for Gunell and Van Den Nieuwelaar and Bronze for Barry and R. Balfour.

National Cadet - Juvenile Wrestling Championships for Men & Women
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, April 11-13, 2008

By: Ray Takahashi

London, Ontario, CANADA - Richard Balfour and Steven Takahashi won gold at the Canadian National Cadet Wrestling Championships (16 years and under) leading London-Western Wrestling Club to an overall third place finish in Cadet Male team standings. Balfour, a Laurier S.S. student, won the 58 kg weight class while Catholic Central S.S.student, Takahashi took the 50 kg crown.

In the women’s division, Olivia Gunnell took Silver in 55 kg Juvenile category (18 years and under), as did Dorchester S.S. student, Anne-Miet Van Den Nieuwelaar (65 kg).

Gunnell, who attends Mother Theresa S.S. in London, won gold at the Junior Nationals two weeks prior but was pinned when caught in throw in the final against Kathleen Kent (Junior Huskies, Saskatoon).

“Overall, London-Western did very well,” said London-Western age group coach, Dave Spinney. “I was pleased with every one’s effort.”

Other medalists for the London-Western Wrestling Club - were Brianne Barry (52 kg Female Juvenile) and Ramona Balfour (43 kg Female Juvenile), both won Bronze medals.

Beal S.S. student, Rishav Ranjit placed 5th in the 58 kg Juvenile Greco Roman category.

Brian Barry, Steven Takahashi and Romona Balfour also won their respective divisions in the National FILA Cadet Trials (16-17 years) held separately after the National tournament.
The three qualified to represent Canada at the FILA Cadet Pan Ams in El Salvador (July, 2008).

The National FILA Cadet program will see them attend the National camp, June 30-July 4, followed by the Pre-Junior Canada Cup, in Guelph, July 5. The men’s team will train and compete in Iowa while the women will attend a training camp in Nova Scotia before leaving
for the Pan Ams.

It's been a banner year for London-Western with four National champions --
Balfour and Takahashi (Cadet- Men's Gold) joining Olivia Gunnell (Junior Women's Gold) and Katie Patroch (Senior Women's Gold).

Individual Results: - London-Western Wrestling Club
National Cadet- Juvenile Championships

Gold - Steven Takahashi - (50 kg Cadet Male)
Gold- Richard Balfour - (58 kg Cadet Male)
Silver - Olivia Gunnell - (56 kg Juvenile Female)
Silver- Anne-Miet Van Den Nieuwelaar - (65 kg Juvenile Female)
Bronze- Brianne Barry - (52 kg Juvenile)
Bronze- Ramona Balfour - (43 kg Juvenile)
London-Western Wrestling Club

Team Placing: - 3rd overall in Cadet Men’s

National Team Trials: (FILA Cadet category 16-17 years)

Gold - Steven Takahashi - (50 kg FILA Cadet Trials)
Gold - Brianne Barry - (52 kg FILA Cadet Trials)
Gold - Ramona Balfour - (43 kg FILA Cadet Trials)

Photo Description: - (photo compliments of London-Western W.C.).
Brianne Barry (red) executes a head-and-arm throw that led to her victory
in the 52 kg Canadian FILA Cadet Trials.

The Central H.S. student Brianne Barry won the match by pin and will represent Canada
at the Cadet Pan American Championships to be held in El Salvador (July 11-13),
She joins London-Western Wrestling Club teammates Ramona Balfour (women’s 43 kg)
and Steven Takahashi (men’s 50 kg) who also won their respective divisions.

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Nigeria loses Olympic Games wrestling tickets to Tunisia

2008 Cadet/Juvenile Freestyle National Championships - Cadet Individual Results

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA
April 11 - 13, 2008

Cadet Girls - RESULTS (16 years and under)

38 kg (2)
1. Hiroko Araki -Capilano
2. Yadira Corbet -Notre Dame

40 kg (2)
1. Darby Huckle -Sarnia
2. Jennifer Hutchins -JWWC

43 kg (2)
1. Cassie Leigh -Mariposa
2. Brittany Mitchell -Tartan

46 kg (8)
1. Linda Morais -L' essor
2. Jade Papke -Matmen
3. Hannah Franson -Jr Huskies
4. Nikkie Brar -Mouat
5. Carly Smith -Jr Dinos
6. Victoria Ly -Team Impact

49 kg (10)
1. Kelsie Boszak -Jr Huskies
2. Emma Watt -Capilano
3. Nicole Corbin -Tartan
4. Julia Murray -Kent
5. Colleen Thomas -Whitecourt
6. Jennifer Tran -KEMP

52 kg (11)
1. Alicia Rowlands -Oxel
2. Samara Funk -Black Bear
3. Kelly Cates Team -Impact
4. Charlotte Clement -KEMP
5. Emma Herrington -Mariposa
6. Katrina Cormier -CLAB

56 kg (12)
1. Tommi Seida -Jr Dinos
2. Melissandre Labrie -Patriotes
3. Andrea Wakelin -Kawartha
4. Serena Kind -Yale
5. Carmen Esquivel -Alberni
6. Shelby Irwin -ELROSE

60 kg (7)
1. Dorothy Yeats -Montreal
2. Alison Sokalski -Capilano
3. Rayla Yanchuk -Edmonton
4. Ashley Verhaeghe -Mouat
5. Taylor Robertson -Jr Dinos
6. Shohannah McClure-Smith -RAW

65 kg (8)
1. Savannah Toth -Alberni
2. Samantha MacNeil -Oxel
3. Kirsten Daigle -Kent
4. Taylor Follensbee -Moose Jaw
5. Jamie Robinson -Notre Dame
6. Rebecca Devereaux -St Stephen

70 kg (9)
1. Kelsy Gsell -Jr Huskies
2. Emily Byvank -Edson
3. Sabrina Kelly -Edmonton
4. Kelsey MacDonald -Kent WC
5. Sylvia Barton -BMWC
6. Margarit Rashleigh -KofM

80 kg (6)
1. Breanne Pare -Edmonton
2. Holly Ellsworth-Clark -KofM
3. Samantha Rubisch -RNWWC
4. Cassandra Wild -Capilano
5. Crystal Miesseau -Stephville
6. Melissa Hall -JWWC

90 kg (2)
1. Jillian Mosher -Metro Amat
2. Georgia Rose -JrMarauder

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2008 Cadet/Juvenile Freestyle National Championships - Juvenile Individual Results

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA
April 11-13, 2008

Juvenile Women - RESULTS (18 years and under)

Nigeria loses Olympic Games wrestling tickets to Tunisia

2008 Cadet/Juvenile Freestyle National Championships - Cadet Individual Results

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CANADA April 11 - 13, 2008

Cadet Girls - RESULTS (16 years and under)

38 kg (2) 1. Hiroko Araki -Capilano 2. Yadira Corbet -Notre Dame

40 kg (2) 1. Darby Huckle -Sarnia 2. Jennifer Hutchins -JWWC

43 kg (2) 1. Cassie Leigh -Mariposa 2. Brittany Mitchell -Tartan

46 kg (8) 1. Linda Morais -L' essor 2. Jade Papke -Matmen 3. Hannah Franson -Jr Huskies 4. Nikkie Brar -Mouat 5. Carly Smith -Jr Dinos 6. Victoria Ly -Team Impact

49 kg (10) 1. Kelsie Boszak -Jr Huskies 2. Emma Watt -Capilano 3. Nicole Corbin -Tartan 4. Julia Murray -Kent 5. Colleen Thomas -Whitecourt 6. Jennifer Tran -KEMP

52 kg (11) 1. Alicia Rowlands -Oxel 2. Samara Funk -Black Bear 3. Kelly Cates Team -Impact 4. Charlotte Clement -KEMP 5. Emma Herrington -Mariposa 6. Katrina Cormier -CLAB

56 kg (12) 1. Tommi Seida -Jr Dinos 2. Melissandre Labrie -Patriotes 3. Andrea Wakelin -Kawartha 4. Serena Kind -Yale 5. Carmen Esquivel -Alberni 6. Shelby Irwin -ELROSE

60 kg (7) 1. Dorothy Yeats -Montreal 2. Alison Sokalski -Capilano 3. Rayla Yanchuk -Edmonton 4. Ashley Verhaeghe -Mouat 5. Taylor Robertson -Jr Dinos 6. Shohannah McClure-Smith -RAW

65 kg (8) 1. Savannah Toth -Alberni 2. Samantha MacNeil -Oxel 3. Kirsten Daigle -Kent 4. Taylor Follensbee -Moose Jaw 5. Jamie Robinson -Notre Dame 6. Rebecca Devereaux -St Stephen

70 kg (9) 1. Kelsy Gsell -Jr Huskies 2. Emily Byvank -Edson 3. Sabrina Kelly -Edmonton 4. Kelsey MacDonald -Kent WC 5. Sylvia Barton -BMWC 6. Margarit Rashleigh -KofM

80 kg (6) 1. Breanne Pare -Edmonton 2. Holly Ellsworth-Clark -KofM 3. Samantha Rubisch -RNWWC 4. Cassandra Wild -Capilano 5. Crystal Miesseau -Stephville 6. Melissa Hall -JWWC

90 kg (2) 1. Jillian Mosher -Metro Amat 2. Georgia Rose -JrMarauder