Women’s freestyle preview for U.S. Senior Nationals/Trials Qualifier in Las Vegas
Share:
by Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling
Whitney Conder of the U.S. Army WCAP controls Michaela Hutchison of the Titan Mercury WC at the 2015 World Team Trials. Although Conder is already qualified for the Olympic Trials, she is registered to compete in Las Vegas this weekend. Photo by Tony Rotundo, WrestlersAreWarriors.
The women’s field at the U.S. Senior Nationals/Trials Qualifier in Las Vegas this weekend will have some top stars on the mat, setting the tone for next April’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Iowa City. There are 42 berths in the Trials available, seven in each of the six Olympic weight classes. This is the largest of the #Road2IowaCity events.
So far, 22 athletes have already qualified to compete in Iowa City. However, of this group, 13 have decided to compete in Las Vegas anyway, seeking individual national titles, getting some quality matches, and looking to get an edge on the opposition heading into the Olympic Trials.
Based upon the pre-registration, there will be some highly competitive weight classes in Las Vegas, with the possibility of great championship matches.
48 kg/105.5 lbs.
2015 U.S. Open champion – Victoria Anthony (Titan Mercury WC)
Athletes already qualified for U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Alyssa Lampe (Sunkist Kids), Victoria Anthony (Titan Mercury WC), Clarissa Chun (Sunkist Kids)
There are three past World Team members who have already qualified for Iowa City who have not registered to compete in the U.S. Nationals this year, Alyssa Lampe, Victoria Anthony and Clarissa Chun. Lampe is currently in India competing in the Pro Wrestling League there. All three are past U.S. Open champions, and if they do not enter, there may a first-time U.S. Open champion coming out of the Vegas event.
Dropping down from 53 kg is National Team member Haley Augello, a past Cadet World champion and two-time WCWA college national champion who is taking an Olympic redshirt year. If Lampe, Anthony and Chun do not show, Augello is the only National Team member from last year in the field. The question is how the weight loss will affect her performance, if any.
During pre-registration, only two 2015 U.S. Open All-Americans from 48 kg are entered, Erin Golston, who was fourth and Harmonie Roberts, who was eighth. Veteran Candace Workman, who has been a national placerwinner, is ready to go.
WCWA college national champion Cody Pfau of OCU, a three-time Junior World Team member, has had considerable success on the Senior level. Other college wrestlers who are looking to have an impact include the Doi twins from King, Marina and Regina. Both have numerous age-group World medals but are new to Senior competition. Another top collegian is King’s Breonnah Neal, who is a two-time college All-American and is at a larger weight class than the Doi sisters. Making a comeback is former Junior World champion Nicole Woody, who has not competed for years and has been an assistant coach for King.
53 kg/116.5 lbs.
2015 U.S. Open champion – Whitney Conder (U.S. Army WCAP)
Already qualified for U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Whitney Conder (U.S. Army WCAP), Helen Maroulis (Sunkist Kids), Jessica Medina (Sunkist Kids), Carlene Sluberski (Titan Mercury WC), Michaela Hutchison (Titan Mercury WC)
Returning World Team member and U.S. Open champion Whitney Conder is registered to compete, even though she is already qualified for Iowa City. Conder has been the top athlete in this weight class for the last two seasons. Two other top talents who are also qualified, World Team Trials runner-up Michaela Hutchison and two-time U.S. World Team member Jessica Medina, have also registered. These athletes will be getting some quality matches, and setting the tone for this weight class heading into the Olympic Trials.
Expected to drop to 53 kg this year is 2015 World champion Helen Maroulis, who is currently not registered to compete here. Even without Maroulis in the field, 53 kg may be the most hotly contested weight class among the women in Vegas this year.
Katherine Fulp-Allen, a multiple National Team member who missed much of last season with injury, is back on the mats and looking to make a big move here. This event will show how well she has recovered and where she stacks up heading into Iowa City. Deanna Betterman, who has twice placed fifth in the World Championships for the United States at a higher weight, is down to 53 kg and wrestling well, taking a bronze medal at the Bill Farrell International.
Two top stars from 55 kg, National Team members Sharon Jacobson and Sarah Hildebrandt, are looking to drop to 53 kg and challenge at this Olympic weight class. In 2015, Jacobson returned after many years away from wrestling and won the U.S. Open at 55 kg and placed second behind Maroulis at the World Team Trials. Hildebrandt, a two-time college national champion who is now focusing full-time on the Olympic quest, has been on the National Team the last few seasons.
Past University Nationals champions who have been ranked on the Senior level in recent seasons and will be in the hunt include Amy Fearnside and Samantha Klingel. Fearnside is not competing in college anymore, while Klingel is a top WCWA title contender for King University.
Expect to see some other current top college wrestlers in the field, looking to earn spots in the Olympic Trials. Included are WCWA ranked wrestlers Shelby Morrison and Rachel Archer of OCU, Lindsey Spjut of McKendree and Dajan Treder of Jamestown. Taking top seven in this weight class will require getting some wins over quality opponents.
58 kg/128 lbs.
2015 U.S. Open champion – Helen Maroulis (Sunkist Kids)
Already qualified for U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Alli Ragan (New York AC), Leigh Jaynes-Provisor (U.S. Army WCAP), Kelsey Campbell (Sunkist Kids), Jenna Burkert (New York AC), Jennifer Page (Titan Mercury WC), Kayla Miracle (Sunkist Kids)
For the last three years, Alli Ragan has been the U.S. World Team member at 58 kg. She has qualified for the field in Iowa City, and is not registered to wrestle in Las Vegas. Last year’s U.S. Open champion was Helen Maroulis, who won the Worlds at 55 kg in September and is pointing towards 53 kg for the Olympic year. Maroulis is also not entered.
2015 World bronze medalist Leigh Jaynes-Provisor, who won her medal at 60 kg, is registered for Las Vegas, but up at 63 kg. If Provisor changes her mind and goes down to 58 kg, that changes this field immediately.
However, there is still a ton of talent here. There are a number of other wrestlers who have earned a spot in the field in Iowa City who are planning to wrestle this week in Las Vegas, and are aiming to knock Ragan out of the top spot later this season.
2012 Olympian Kelsey Campbell, who was second behind Ragan at the 2015 World Team Trials, is registered to compete. Campbell has been as high as fifth at the World Championships in the past. Jenna Burkert, who was a member of the 2014 U.S. World Team and a three-time Junior World Team member, is also headed to Las Vegas. Jennifer Page, a member of the National Team at 60 kg and a past Junior World medalist, is also among the entries at 58 kg.
Add in Teshya Alo, the nation’s best high school wrestler and a 2014 Cadet World champion to the mix here. Alo was third at the 2015 World Team Trials at two weight classes, 58 kg and 60 kg, and can score points from all kinds of positions.
The talent doesn’t stop there. Randi Beltz, a National Team member at 60 kg, is entered here. Trinity Griffin, who has been a U.S. Open finalist and is among the most experienced athletes on the women’s scene, is in the field. Lauren Loiuve, a national placewinner for many years, is another veteran capable of going deep into the brackets.
College freshman Maya Nelson from the University of the Cumberlands, an age-group star who was also sixth at the U.S. Open last year, will be in the hunt. Junior World bronze medalist Becka Leathers, who is a freshman at OCU and top-ranked on the college scene, has won international medals on the Senior level and will be very competitive. Rachel McFarland of Adrian College, a University Nationals runner-up last year who had a strong run at the Senior World Team Trials, is another top college talent.
Toss in some other talented college athletes in the mix like 2015 U.S. Open placewinner Koral Sugiyama of Campbellsville University and WCWA ranked athletes including Natalia Hinojo and Carla Ponce of OCU, Gabrielle Weyhrich and Megan Black of McKendree and others. This weight should have some depth for sure.
63 kg/138.75 lbs.
2015 U.S. Open champion – Erin Clodgo (Sunkist Kids)
Already qualified for U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Erin Clodgo (Sunkist Kids), Elena Pirozhkova (Titan Mercury WC), Sally Roberts (U.S. Army WCAP)
The competition at 63 kg is expected to heat up, as 2012 World champion and three-time World medalist Elena Pirozhkova is making the move back down. Last year, Pirozhkova went up to 69 kg, where she won the U.S. Open and competed at the World Championships. She went 63 kg and won the Golden Grand Prix Finals in Azerbaijan recently. Pirozhkova is not registered for Las Vegas.
2015 U.S. World Team member and U.S. Open champion Erin Clodgo has already qualified for the Olympic Trials, but is registered to compete in Las Vegas. Two other top wrestlers who have secured Olympic Trials berths are also expected to compete at 63 kg in Las Vegas, 2015 World bronze medalist Leigh Jaynes-Provisor and two-time World bronze medalist Sally Roberts. Provisor is moving up from 60 kg, at least for this event. These three experienced talents will make the battle in Las Vegas much more interesting.
Amanda Hendey, who was second behind Clodgo in the World Team Trials last year, is also in the field. Hendey pinned Clodgo in the first match of their series in Madison, but Clodgo rallied back with two wins to earn the World Team berth. Shai Mason, who is No. 3 on the National Team, is also entered and capable of a strong finish. 2015 Junior World Team member, Mallory Velte, who is top-ranked this year in college competing for Simon Fraser, will make a run at 63 kg in Las Vegas.
After these veteran stars, the field will feature a variety of young talents. Marina Briceno, a U.S. Open placewinner last year, returns as a college athlete for Wayland Baptist. Alexis Porter, who has made age-group World Team for the USA and is a top college star at McKendree, is also registered. Monica Ramirez of Lindenwood, who was a U.S. Open All-American at 69 kg last year, is in the draw this year at 63 kg.
WCWA runner-up Jessi Kee of King University will test the field at this weight. Some of the other college athletes to watch in Las Vegas are Rachel Young and Maggie Douma of OCU and Cassandra Herkelman of McKendree. A top age-group star who will try to make her mark on the Senior level is Skylar Grote.
69 kg/152 lbs.
2015 U.S. Open champion – Elena Pirozhkova (Titan Mercury WC)
Already qualified for U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Randi Miller (U.S. Army WCAP), Veronica Carlson (New York AC), Tamyra Mensah (Titan Mercury WC)
With Elena Pirozhkova heading back to 63 kg, three talented stars will be looking to take over this division, and all are registered to compete in Las Vegas. 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Randi Miller, who was a 2014 World Team member, is in the field here. 2013 World Team member Veronica Carlson will also make a run at the title in Las Vegas. Tamyra Mensah, who was second at the 2015 World Team Trials where she boasts a win over Randi Miller, is also in the mix. All three are already qualified for Iowa City, but will take on the challengers in Las Vegas.
Julia Salata, a two-time college national champion who has been successful at the Senior level, is healthy again and looking to move to the top of this weight class. Salata has competed on U.S. Junior World and University World Teams. Ashley Sword-Buster, a past National Team member who has been retired for a number of years and is now a coach, is making a comeback. Brittany David, who was a college star at Lindenwood, was fourth in the 2013 and 2014 U.S. Opens, is back this year and will look to return to championship form.
High school star Rachel Watters, a member of the 2015 Junior World Team who placed at the Senior World Team Trials last year, is also entered. Another 2015 Junior World Team member, Forrest Molinari who is a star for King University in college, is another young contender.
Katerina Lobsinger, who was fifth in the 2014 Cadet World Championships, is also entered to compete. College athletes looking to qualify for the Olympic Trials include Yvonne Galindo and Rachael Butler of OCU and Anna Naylor of Jamestown,
75 kg/165 lbs.
2015 U.S. Open champion – Adeline Gray (New York AC)
Already qualified for U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Adeline Gray (New York AC), Iris Smith (U.S. Army WCAP)
Three-time World champion Adeline Gray is already qualified for the Olympic Trials, and is currently in India competing in its Professional Wrestling League. The only other wrestler who has earned a berth in the field in Iowa City, 2005 World champion Iris Smith, is entered in Las Vegas and is among the favorites to win the title there. Smith is No. 3 on the National Team going into this season.
Jaclyn Surber, who has competed in the past as Jackie Cataline, is also registered at 75 kg for Las Vegas. Surber was a 2014 U.S. Open champion and 2015 U.S. Open runner-up, the top challenger to Gray in recent seasons. There are a number of athletes who have been competing at 75 kg who are considering a move down to 69 kg this season, including Surber, but she remains pre-registered at 75 kg.
2014 Junior World bronze medalist Victoria Francis, who was a WCWA national champion last year for Lindenwood, is among the top challengers here. Francis was third at the 2015 U.S. Open, beating Smith in the bronze-medal bout.
Kendall Reusing, a past Junior Nationals champion, is having a great freshman season for Simon Fraser and will be a force here. A variety of top college wrestlers are among the entries in Las Vegas, including Brandy Lowe of McKendree, Christina Schmidt of Life, Jacky Quinones of OCU and Nahiela Magee of Wayland Baptist. Destane Garrick, who placed fourth in the Bill Farrell International, is a young athlete who is improving.
2015 U.S. OPEN
Women’s Freestyle results
48 kg/105.5 lbs.
1st – Victoria Anthony, Huntington Beach, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Alyssa Lampe, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids), 6-4
3rd - Clarissa Chun, Morgantown, W.Va. (Sunkist Kids) tech fall Erin Golston, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC), 10-0
5th - Amy Golding, Duanesburg, N.Y. (ATWA) tech fall Sarah Allen, Huber Heights, Ohio (Univ. of the Cumberlands), 10-0
7th - Allene Somera, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Army WCAP) pin Harmonie Roberts (California), 2:09
53 kg/116.5 lbs.
1st – Whitney Conder, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP) dec. Carlene Sluberski, Fredonia, N.Y. (New York AC), 5-3
3rd - Michaela Hutchison, Lebanon, Ill. (Titan Mercury WC) tech fall over Amy Fearnside, Morgan Hill, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC), 19-9
5th - Haley Augello, Lockport, Ill. (NYAC) tech fall over Rachel Archer, Winlock, Wash. (Gator/OKCU Women/Men RTC), 12-2
7th - Laura Anderson, Indo, Calif. (Brea Wrestling Club) dec. Darlene Julian, Colorado Springs, Colo. (USOTC), 4-2
55 kg/121 lbs.
1st – Sharon Jacobson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP) dec. Jacarra Winchester, San Leandro, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC), 12-9
3rd - Sarah Hildebrandt, Granger, Ind. (NYAC) dec. Hanna Grisewood, Warsaw, N.Y. (King Univ.), 4-0
5th - Hailee Lilly, Sanford, N.C. (McKendree Univ.) dec. Samantha Klingel, Kregesville, Pa. (King Univ.), 8-6
7th - Alyssa Gonzalez, Vallejo, Calif. (McKendree Univ.) tech. fall Vergillia Amaya, Tolleson, Ariz. (MWC Wrestling Academy) (TF 20-10)
58 kg/128 lbs.
1st – Helen Maroulis, Rockville, Md. (Sunkist Kids) tech. fall Kelsey Campbell, Tempe, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids), 10-0
3rd - Alli Ragan, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC) dec. Teshya Alo, Honolulu, Hawaii (Titan Mercury WC), 9-1
5th - Trinity Griffin, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) tech fall over Maya Nelson, Denver, Colo. (Sunkist Kids), 12-2
7th - Melissa Apodaca, Camp LeJeune, N.C. (Marines) dec. Carla Ponce, El Paso, Texas (Gator/OKCU Women/Men RTC), 7-1
60 kg/132 lbs.
1st – Leigh Jaynes-Provisor, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S, Army WCAP) dec. Jenna Burkert, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC), 6-1
3rd - Jennifer Page, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Titan Mercury WC) pin Lauren Louive, Williamsburg, Ky. (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling), 2:40
5th - Brandy Green, Ottawa, Kan. (Braves Wrestling Club) pin Arian Carpio, Federal Way, Wash. (Sunkist Kids), 1:39
7th - Olivia Seppinni, Rocklin, Calif. (McKendree Univ.)
63 kg/138.75 lbs
1st – Erin Clodgo, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) dec. Amanda Hendey, Beaumont, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC), 9-3
3rd - Randyll Beltz, St. Louis, Mo. (Team St.Louis) pin Jessica Kee, Laurinburg, S.C. (King University), 2:04
5th - Forrest Molinari, Benicia, Calif. (King Univ.) pin Koral Sugiyama, Pocatello, Idaho (Pocatello Grapplers), 1:27
7th - Marina Briceno, Simi Valley, Calif. (Black Tornadoes)
69 kg/152 lbs.
1st – Elena Pirozhkova, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Randi Miller, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP), 4-3
3rd - Veronica Carlson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC) dec. Kayla Aggio, Rohnert Park, Calif. (Gator/OKCU Women/Men RTC), 10-8
5th - Lisa Gonzalez, Rio Grande City, Texas (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling) pin Lorrie Ramos, Orlando, Fla. (Titan Mercury WC), 4:50
7th - Monica Ramirez, Baldwin Park, Calif. (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling) won by tech fall over Christina Schmidt, Cleveland, Ohio (Life Running Eagles Wrestling) (TF 10-0)
75 kg/165 lbs.
1st – Adeline Gray, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC) tech. fall Jackie Cataline, Eastvale, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC), 15-4
3rd - Victoria Francis, Litchfield, Ill. (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling) dec. Iris Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Army WCAP), 2-1
5th - Niauni Hill, Oakland, Calif. (Lindenwood Belleville) tech. fall Courteney Tompkins, Santa Maria, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC), 12-2
7th - Clarc Walker, Aubrey, Texas (San Francisco State Univ.) inj. dft. Brittney Roberts, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
Outstanding Wrestler – Helen Maroulis, Sunkist Kids, 59 kg
Div. I – 1. Titan Mercury WC, 71, 2. Sunkist Kids, 47
Div. II – 1. New York AC, 42; 2. Army WCAP, 38
The women’s field at the U.S. Senior Nationals/Trials Qualifier in Las Vegas this weekend will have some top stars on the mat, setting the tone for next April’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Iowa City. There are 42 berths in the Trials available, seven in each of the six Olympic weight classes. This is the largest of the #Road2IowaCity events.
So far, 22 athletes have already qualified to compete in Iowa City. However, of this group, 13 have decided to compete in Las Vegas anyway, seeking individual national titles, getting some quality matches, and looking to get an edge on the opposition heading into the Olympic Trials.
Based upon the pre-registration, there will be some highly competitive weight classes in Las Vegas, with the possibility of great championship matches.
48 kg/105.5 lbs.
2015 U.S. Open champion – Victoria Anthony (Titan Mercury WC)
Athletes already qualified for U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Alyssa Lampe (Sunkist Kids), Victoria Anthony (Titan Mercury WC), Clarissa Chun (Sunkist Kids)
There are three past World Team members who have already qualified for Iowa City who have not registered to compete in the U.S. Nationals this year, Alyssa Lampe, Victoria Anthony and Clarissa Chun. Lampe is currently in India competing in the Pro Wrestling League there. All three are past U.S. Open champions, and if they do not enter, there may a first-time U.S. Open champion coming out of the Vegas event.
Dropping down from 53 kg is National Team member Haley Augello, a past Cadet World champion and two-time WCWA college national champion who is taking an Olympic redshirt year. If Lampe, Anthony and Chun do not show, Augello is the only National Team member from last year in the field. The question is how the weight loss will affect her performance, if any.
During pre-registration, only two 2015 U.S. Open All-Americans from 48 kg are entered, Erin Golston, who was fourth and Harmonie Roberts, who was eighth. Veteran Candace Workman, who has been a national placerwinner, is ready to go.
WCWA college national champion Cody Pfau of OCU, a three-time Junior World Team member, has had considerable success on the Senior level. Other college wrestlers who are looking to have an impact include the Doi twins from King, Marina and Regina. Both have numerous age-group World medals but are new to Senior competition. Another top collegian is King’s Breonnah Neal, who is a two-time college All-American and is at a larger weight class than the Doi sisters. Making a comeback is former Junior World champion Nicole Woody, who has not competed for years and has been an assistant coach for King.
53 kg/116.5 lbs.
2015 U.S. Open champion – Whitney Conder (U.S. Army WCAP)
Already qualified for U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Whitney Conder (U.S. Army WCAP), Helen Maroulis (Sunkist Kids), Jessica Medina (Sunkist Kids), Carlene Sluberski (Titan Mercury WC), Michaela Hutchison (Titan Mercury WC)
Returning World Team member and U.S. Open champion Whitney Conder is registered to compete, even though she is already qualified for Iowa City. Conder has been the top athlete in this weight class for the last two seasons. Two other top talents who are also qualified, World Team Trials runner-up Michaela Hutchison and two-time U.S. World Team member Jessica Medina, have also registered. These athletes will be getting some quality matches, and setting the tone for this weight class heading into the Olympic Trials.
Expected to drop to 53 kg this year is 2015 World champion Helen Maroulis, who is currently not registered to compete here. Even without Maroulis in the field, 53 kg may be the most hotly contested weight class among the women in Vegas this year.
Katherine Fulp-Allen, a multiple National Team member who missed much of last season with injury, is back on the mats and looking to make a big move here. This event will show how well she has recovered and where she stacks up heading into Iowa City. Deanna Betterman, who has twice placed fifth in the World Championships for the United States at a higher weight, is down to 53 kg and wrestling well, taking a bronze medal at the Bill Farrell International.
Two top stars from 55 kg, National Team members Sharon Jacobson and Sarah Hildebrandt, are looking to drop to 53 kg and challenge at this Olympic weight class. In 2015, Jacobson returned after many years away from wrestling and won the U.S. Open at 55 kg and placed second behind Maroulis at the World Team Trials. Hildebrandt, a two-time college national champion who is now focusing full-time on the Olympic quest, has been on the National Team the last few seasons.
Past University Nationals champions who have been ranked on the Senior level in recent seasons and will be in the hunt include Amy Fearnside and Samantha Klingel. Fearnside is not competing in college anymore, while Klingel is a top WCWA title contender for King University.
Expect to see some other current top college wrestlers in the field, looking to earn spots in the Olympic Trials. Included are WCWA ranked wrestlers Shelby Morrison and Rachel Archer of OCU, Lindsey Spjut of McKendree and Dajan Treder of Jamestown. Taking top seven in this weight class will require getting some wins over quality opponents.
58 kg/128 lbs.
2015 U.S. Open champion – Helen Maroulis (Sunkist Kids)
Already qualified for U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Alli Ragan (New York AC), Leigh Jaynes-Provisor (U.S. Army WCAP), Kelsey Campbell (Sunkist Kids), Jenna Burkert (New York AC), Jennifer Page (Titan Mercury WC), Kayla Miracle (Sunkist Kids)
For the last three years, Alli Ragan has been the U.S. World Team member at 58 kg. She has qualified for the field in Iowa City, and is not registered to wrestle in Las Vegas. Last year’s U.S. Open champion was Helen Maroulis, who won the Worlds at 55 kg in September and is pointing towards 53 kg for the Olympic year. Maroulis is also not entered.
2015 World bronze medalist Leigh Jaynes-Provisor, who won her medal at 60 kg, is registered for Las Vegas, but up at 63 kg. If Provisor changes her mind and goes down to 58 kg, that changes this field immediately.
However, there is still a ton of talent here. There are a number of other wrestlers who have earned a spot in the field in Iowa City who are planning to wrestle this week in Las Vegas, and are aiming to knock Ragan out of the top spot later this season.
2012 Olympian Kelsey Campbell, who was second behind Ragan at the 2015 World Team Trials, is registered to compete. Campbell has been as high as fifth at the World Championships in the past. Jenna Burkert, who was a member of the 2014 U.S. World Team and a three-time Junior World Team member, is also headed to Las Vegas. Jennifer Page, a member of the National Team at 60 kg and a past Junior World medalist, is also among the entries at 58 kg.
Add in Teshya Alo, the nation’s best high school wrestler and a 2014 Cadet World champion to the mix here. Alo was third at the 2015 World Team Trials at two weight classes, 58 kg and 60 kg, and can score points from all kinds of positions.
The talent doesn’t stop there. Randi Beltz, a National Team member at 60 kg, is entered here. Trinity Griffin, who has been a U.S. Open finalist and is among the most experienced athletes on the women’s scene, is in the field. Lauren Loiuve, a national placewinner for many years, is another veteran capable of going deep into the brackets.
College freshman Maya Nelson from the University of the Cumberlands, an age-group star who was also sixth at the U.S. Open last year, will be in the hunt. Junior World bronze medalist Becka Leathers, who is a freshman at OCU and top-ranked on the college scene, has won international medals on the Senior level and will be very competitive. Rachel McFarland of Adrian College, a University Nationals runner-up last year who had a strong run at the Senior World Team Trials, is another top college talent.
Toss in some other talented college athletes in the mix like 2015 U.S. Open placewinner Koral Sugiyama of Campbellsville University and WCWA ranked athletes including Natalia Hinojo and Carla Ponce of OCU, Gabrielle Weyhrich and Megan Black of McKendree and others. This weight should have some depth for sure.
63 kg/138.75 lbs.
2015 U.S. Open champion – Erin Clodgo (Sunkist Kids)
Already qualified for U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Erin Clodgo (Sunkist Kids), Elena Pirozhkova (Titan Mercury WC), Sally Roberts (U.S. Army WCAP)
The competition at 63 kg is expected to heat up, as 2012 World champion and three-time World medalist Elena Pirozhkova is making the move back down. Last year, Pirozhkova went up to 69 kg, where she won the U.S. Open and competed at the World Championships. She went 63 kg and won the Golden Grand Prix Finals in Azerbaijan recently. Pirozhkova is not registered for Las Vegas.
2015 U.S. World Team member and U.S. Open champion Erin Clodgo has already qualified for the Olympic Trials, but is registered to compete in Las Vegas. Two other top wrestlers who have secured Olympic Trials berths are also expected to compete at 63 kg in Las Vegas, 2015 World bronze medalist Leigh Jaynes-Provisor and two-time World bronze medalist Sally Roberts. Provisor is moving up from 60 kg, at least for this event. These three experienced talents will make the battle in Las Vegas much more interesting.
Amanda Hendey, who was second behind Clodgo in the World Team Trials last year, is also in the field. Hendey pinned Clodgo in the first match of their series in Madison, but Clodgo rallied back with two wins to earn the World Team berth. Shai Mason, who is No. 3 on the National Team, is also entered and capable of a strong finish. 2015 Junior World Team member, Mallory Velte, who is top-ranked this year in college competing for Simon Fraser, will make a run at 63 kg in Las Vegas.
After these veteran stars, the field will feature a variety of young talents. Marina Briceno, a U.S. Open placewinner last year, returns as a college athlete for Wayland Baptist. Alexis Porter, who has made age-group World Team for the USA and is a top college star at McKendree, is also registered. Monica Ramirez of Lindenwood, who was a U.S. Open All-American at 69 kg last year, is in the draw this year at 63 kg.
WCWA runner-up Jessi Kee of King University will test the field at this weight. Some of the other college athletes to watch in Las Vegas are Rachel Young and Maggie Douma of OCU and Cassandra Herkelman of McKendree. A top age-group star who will try to make her mark on the Senior level is Skylar Grote.
69 kg/152 lbs.
2015 U.S. Open champion – Elena Pirozhkova (Titan Mercury WC)
Already qualified for U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Randi Miller (U.S. Army WCAP), Veronica Carlson (New York AC), Tamyra Mensah (Titan Mercury WC)
With Elena Pirozhkova heading back to 63 kg, three talented stars will be looking to take over this division, and all are registered to compete in Las Vegas. 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Randi Miller, who was a 2014 World Team member, is in the field here. 2013 World Team member Veronica Carlson will also make a run at the title in Las Vegas. Tamyra Mensah, who was second at the 2015 World Team Trials where she boasts a win over Randi Miller, is also in the mix. All three are already qualified for Iowa City, but will take on the challengers in Las Vegas.
Julia Salata, a two-time college national champion who has been successful at the Senior level, is healthy again and looking to move to the top of this weight class. Salata has competed on U.S. Junior World and University World Teams. Ashley Sword-Buster, a past National Team member who has been retired for a number of years and is now a coach, is making a comeback. Brittany David, who was a college star at Lindenwood, was fourth in the 2013 and 2014 U.S. Opens, is back this year and will look to return to championship form.
High school star Rachel Watters, a member of the 2015 Junior World Team who placed at the Senior World Team Trials last year, is also entered. Another 2015 Junior World Team member, Forrest Molinari who is a star for King University in college, is another young contender.
Katerina Lobsinger, who was fifth in the 2014 Cadet World Championships, is also entered to compete. College athletes looking to qualify for the Olympic Trials include Yvonne Galindo and Rachael Butler of OCU and Anna Naylor of Jamestown,
75 kg/165 lbs.
2015 U.S. Open champion – Adeline Gray (New York AC)
Already qualified for U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Adeline Gray (New York AC), Iris Smith (U.S. Army WCAP)
Three-time World champion Adeline Gray is already qualified for the Olympic Trials, and is currently in India competing in its Professional Wrestling League. The only other wrestler who has earned a berth in the field in Iowa City, 2005 World champion Iris Smith, is entered in Las Vegas and is among the favorites to win the title there. Smith is No. 3 on the National Team going into this season.
Jaclyn Surber, who has competed in the past as Jackie Cataline, is also registered at 75 kg for Las Vegas. Surber was a 2014 U.S. Open champion and 2015 U.S. Open runner-up, the top challenger to Gray in recent seasons. There are a number of athletes who have been competing at 75 kg who are considering a move down to 69 kg this season, including Surber, but she remains pre-registered at 75 kg.
2014 Junior World bronze medalist Victoria Francis, who was a WCWA national champion last year for Lindenwood, is among the top challengers here. Francis was third at the 2015 U.S. Open, beating Smith in the bronze-medal bout.
Kendall Reusing, a past Junior Nationals champion, is having a great freshman season for Simon Fraser and will be a force here. A variety of top college wrestlers are among the entries in Las Vegas, including Brandy Lowe of McKendree, Christina Schmidt of Life, Jacky Quinones of OCU and Nahiela Magee of Wayland Baptist. Destane Garrick, who placed fourth in the Bill Farrell International, is a young athlete who is improving.
2015 U.S. OPEN
Women’s Freestyle results
48 kg/105.5 lbs.
1st – Victoria Anthony, Huntington Beach, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Alyssa Lampe, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids), 6-4
3rd - Clarissa Chun, Morgantown, W.Va. (Sunkist Kids) tech fall Erin Golston, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC), 10-0
5th - Amy Golding, Duanesburg, N.Y. (ATWA) tech fall Sarah Allen, Huber Heights, Ohio (Univ. of the Cumberlands), 10-0
7th - Allene Somera, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Army WCAP) pin Harmonie Roberts (California), 2:09
53 kg/116.5 lbs.
1st – Whitney Conder, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP) dec. Carlene Sluberski, Fredonia, N.Y. (New York AC), 5-3
3rd - Michaela Hutchison, Lebanon, Ill. (Titan Mercury WC) tech fall over Amy Fearnside, Morgan Hill, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC), 19-9
5th - Haley Augello, Lockport, Ill. (NYAC) tech fall over Rachel Archer, Winlock, Wash. (Gator/OKCU Women/Men RTC), 12-2
7th - Laura Anderson, Indo, Calif. (Brea Wrestling Club) dec. Darlene Julian, Colorado Springs, Colo. (USOTC), 4-2
55 kg/121 lbs.
1st – Sharon Jacobson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP) dec. Jacarra Winchester, San Leandro, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC), 12-9
3rd - Sarah Hildebrandt, Granger, Ind. (NYAC) dec. Hanna Grisewood, Warsaw, N.Y. (King Univ.), 4-0
5th - Hailee Lilly, Sanford, N.C. (McKendree Univ.) dec. Samantha Klingel, Kregesville, Pa. (King Univ.), 8-6
7th - Alyssa Gonzalez, Vallejo, Calif. (McKendree Univ.) tech. fall Vergillia Amaya, Tolleson, Ariz. (MWC Wrestling Academy) (TF 20-10)
58 kg/128 lbs.
1st – Helen Maroulis, Rockville, Md. (Sunkist Kids) tech. fall Kelsey Campbell, Tempe, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids), 10-0
3rd - Alli Ragan, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC) dec. Teshya Alo, Honolulu, Hawaii (Titan Mercury WC), 9-1
5th - Trinity Griffin, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) tech fall over Maya Nelson, Denver, Colo. (Sunkist Kids), 12-2
7th - Melissa Apodaca, Camp LeJeune, N.C. (Marines) dec. Carla Ponce, El Paso, Texas (Gator/OKCU Women/Men RTC), 7-1
60 kg/132 lbs.
1st – Leigh Jaynes-Provisor, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S, Army WCAP) dec. Jenna Burkert, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC), 6-1
3rd - Jennifer Page, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Titan Mercury WC) pin Lauren Louive, Williamsburg, Ky. (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling), 2:40
5th - Brandy Green, Ottawa, Kan. (Braves Wrestling Club) pin Arian Carpio, Federal Way, Wash. (Sunkist Kids), 1:39
7th - Olivia Seppinni, Rocklin, Calif. (McKendree Univ.)
63 kg/138.75 lbs
1st – Erin Clodgo, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids) dec. Amanda Hendey, Beaumont, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC), 9-3
3rd - Randyll Beltz, St. Louis, Mo. (Team St.Louis) pin Jessica Kee, Laurinburg, S.C. (King University), 2:04
5th - Forrest Molinari, Benicia, Calif. (King Univ.) pin Koral Sugiyama, Pocatello, Idaho (Pocatello Grapplers), 1:27
7th - Marina Briceno, Simi Valley, Calif. (Black Tornadoes)
69 kg/152 lbs.
1st – Elena Pirozhkova, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Titan Mercury WC) dec. Randi Miller, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP), 4-3
3rd - Veronica Carlson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC) dec. Kayla Aggio, Rohnert Park, Calif. (Gator/OKCU Women/Men RTC), 10-8
5th - Lisa Gonzalez, Rio Grande City, Texas (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling) pin Lorrie Ramos, Orlando, Fla. (Titan Mercury WC), 4:50
7th - Monica Ramirez, Baldwin Park, Calif. (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling) won by tech fall over Christina Schmidt, Cleveland, Ohio (Life Running Eagles Wrestling) (TF 10-0)
75 kg/165 lbs.
1st – Adeline Gray, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC) tech. fall Jackie Cataline, Eastvale, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC), 15-4
3rd - Victoria Francis, Litchfield, Ill. (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling) dec. Iris Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Army WCAP), 2-1
5th - Niauni Hill, Oakland, Calif. (Lindenwood Belleville) tech. fall Courteney Tompkins, Santa Maria, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC), 12-2
7th - Clarc Walker, Aubrey, Texas (San Francisco State Univ.) inj. dft. Brittney Roberts, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
Outstanding Wrestler – Helen Maroulis, Sunkist Kids, 59 kg
Div. I – 1. Titan Mercury WC, 71, 2. Sunkist Kids, 47
Div. II – 1. New York AC, 42; 2. Army WCAP, 38
Read More#
Bouzakis, Jaffe, Robinson advance to semifinals at U17 Worlds in women’s freestyle in Istanbul
Turner and Fowler to go for gold, Crull to battle for bronze in women’s freestyle at U17 World Championships
Robinson, Turner, Murphy among stars competing for U.S U17 Women’s Freestyle World Team in Istanbul
Five World medalists lead U.S. team at U20 Pan-American Championships in Santiago, Chile
