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I was approached this past weekend at a junior high wrestling tournament about why you don't see more girls wrestle. My response was simple, they are not made for the sport. Generally, wrestling has been for the elite athletes among all sports. Ones that are willing to go through more than most other athletes.
In youth wrestling, girls at lower weights are seen on the mat more, but as they get older they seem to dwindle away. Why is this people ask?
Parents and especially mothers need to understand, it's brutal on a wrestling mat. When I tell a kid its live. I don't mean go through the motions. I want my wrestler to go all out and finish in their opponent regardless of their gender.
Also, no guy would ever want to lose to a female. Stereotypically, males have been viewed as the dominant in society and to lose - especially at a young age - to a female wouldn't be the best for their reputation.
Getting that out, I will step back now and take it from a coaches' perspective.
Being around the sport for 15 years I have seen some females that are quality wrestlers. They aren't your typical cheerleader types. To be a female wrestler you need to be rigid, hard nosed and willing to compete with the guys.
During my high school wrestling days, I can still recall a female placing in the Class A/AA West Virginia state tournament. I cannot recall her exact weight, but she was close to the 103 bracket. Reading the local paper after the tournament, I read where she was respected by her teammates because she didn't get special treatment.
So there you have it. If you are a female and want to grapple with the boys, go for it. I am firm believer that anyone can do what they set their mind to, but prepare yourself for it. Females can compete, that is not an argument, but it takes a special type of female to wrestle.
OVERTIME
Last season Briggs High School's Gabby Henry was the first female wrestler to win the Columbus City Championship. Henry (112) also took home Most Outstanding Wrestler. This recognition has truly a huge step for female wrestlers.
DOUBLE OVERTIME
In college wrestling, No. Minnesota and No.2 Iowa State clashed on the Big Ten Network this past weekend. Battling back-and-forth the Cyclones were able to edge the Golden Gophers 18-13 for the dual victory.
"Obviously, this is a great win," Iowa State head wrestling coach Cael Sanderson said. "We did a good job today but we have a lot of room for improvement. This is the best possible preparation for the Iowa match and NCAA competition down the road. I do think that a win like this demonstrates for our wrestlers that we are teaching them the right things."
Buckeye Local standout and Iowa State grappler David Bertolino was able to hand Minnesota's Justin Bronson a 4-0 decision to push the Cylcones lead 15-13. Heavyweight Davis Zabriskie followed in Bertolino's good fortune increasing the Cyclones dual lead with a 7-2 decision of Ben Berhow.
Bertolino and the Cyclones will now prepare for the season showdown as Iowa State host rival Iowa Sunday. The event, which can hold a capacity of 9,000, sold out Monday afternoon.
TRIPLE OVERTIME
Wheeling Park standout Abbie Rush, a four-time OVAC champion, was on the mat this weekend as Boston University traveled to the Penn State Open.
The sophomore Terrier pinned Nassau CC's Brendan Keys in lightning fast time, 0:58, and held on to a 4-2 decision of Liberty's Christian Smith. Receiving a 2-1 setback on a riding point from University of North Carolina's Danny Lopes, Rush went on to major decision Navy's Matt Pagan, 11-3.
Rush entered his fifth match, hoping to place, but bowed out after a 4-3 loss to Brandon Reasy of Pitt.-Johnstown.
Rush and the Terriers will be back in action Saturday at Binghamton (N.Y.) for a dual meet.
DISK TOSS
The West Liberty State College mat program came away this weekend with a 35-3 victory over Seton Hill. Winning nine consecutive matches, the Hilltoppers improve its dual record to 2-1.
"They're not the strongest team on our schedule, but they have some good kids from Western Pa.," first year coach Brian Davis said. "It was nice to bounce back and the kids wrestled well."
The Hilltoppers' wrestling program will be back in action Saturday as they head to South Carolina to face Limestone and UNC-Pembroke in a tri-match.
"It would be nice to come back with two wins," Davis admitted. "Both are quality teams and we will have our hands full."
TODAY'S CARD
Beallsville, St. John Central at River, 6 p.m.
Indian Creek, Wheeling Central at Steubenville, 5 p.m.
Steubenville Central, Weirton Madonna at Edison, 6 p.m.
Barnesville, St. Clairsville at Caldwell, CANCELLED
Shenandoah, Magnolia at Union Local, CANCELLED
Harrison Central at Claymont
Indian Valley, Coshocton at Meadowbrook, 6 p.m.
Brooke, East Liverpool at Weir, 5 p.m.
Marietta, John Glenn at Cambridge, 5:30 p.m.
FRIDAY'S CARD
Letcher County Central High School, Wheeling Central at Bridgeport, 6 p.m. (Note time change)
Bellaire vs. Steubenville, 5:30 p.m.
SATURDAY'S CARD
Brooke Classic (John Marshall and Wheeling Park)
Union Local's Doan Ford Invitational (River, Shadyside, Meadowbrook, Buckeye Local, Bridgerport and Wheeling Central.