Gray, Pirozhkova, Maroulis headline women’s field at World Team Trials in Madison, Wis.
Share:
by Gary Abbott, USA Wrestling
Two-time World champion Adeline Gray squares off with Jackie Cataline in the 75 kg finals of the 2015 U.S. Open. Gray leads a strong women’s field at the World Team Trials. Photo by John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com
The United States has placed third in the last two World Championships in women’s freestyle. The program features numerous past World medalists, as well as two Olympic medalists.
Two-time World champion Adeline Gray (75 kg) headlines the field, which includes past World champions Elena Pirozhkova (69 kg), Clarissa Chun (48 kg) and Iris Smith (75 kg). Gray and Pirozhkova boast four career World medals. Chun won a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Games and Randi Miller (69 kg) won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics. Other World medalists in the mix are World silver and bronze medalist Helen Maroulis (58 kg) and two-time World bronze medalist Alyssa Lampe (48 kg).
The champion at the U.S. Open advanced to directly to the best-of-three Championship Series in Madison. However, there is a possibility that a few Open champions may change weight classes, giving up their advantage and moving back into the Challenge Tournament at the new weight. We will find out at weighins.
48 kg/105.5 lbs.
The United States is loaded at this weight, with at least three athletes who are capable of winning World medals. Winning her first U.S. Open title this year was two-time Junior World champion Victoria Anthony, who placed second in the Open the previous three years. She defeated two-time World bronze medalist Alyssa Lampe in the finals. Anthony was fifth in the 2013 World Championships wrestling up a weight.
Lampe has made four World Teams, with bronzes in 2012 and 2013 and a fifth place in 2014. She defeated 2008 World champion and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Clarissa Chun in the semifinals at the Open. Earlier this year, Chun had a win over Lampe at the Dave Schultz Memorial.
2015 University Nationals champion Cody Pfau was also a WCWA Women’s college national champion this year. Pfau beat three-time Junior World medalist Erin Golston at the University Nationals. Golston was fourth in the Open which Pfau missed to win the Junior Pan Am title. Also qualifying for the Trials with a top seven finish in Las Vegas were Amy Golding, Sarah Allen and Allene Somera.
Other qualifiers are four-time WCWA champion Emily Webster, age-group World medalists Marina and Regina Doi, veteran Candace Workman, plus college stars Grace Paxtton, Maia Phanthadara, Amy Hou and Breonnah Neal.
53 kg/116.5 lbs.
Two-time World team member Whitney Conder keeps her top spot with a win at the Open, her third national crown. She was second at the CISM Military Worlds this fall. Reaching the Open finals for the first time was Carlene Sluberski, a national team member and past Junior World Team member who is a college star in Canada.
Veteran Michaela Hutchison, who won three WCWA college titles and is now a college coach, dropped to 53 kg and was third in the Open. Amy Fearnside, a University World medalist and two-time University Nationals champion, was fourth in Vegas. Past Cadet World champion and two-time WCWA women’s college national champion Haley Augello was fifth. Also qualifying through the Open were college stars Rachel Archer and Laura Anderson.
Two-time World team member Jessica Medina is a qualifier, along with WCWA college runner-up Diaysha Moore, University Nationals runner-up Shelby Morrison and UWW Junior National team members Marizza Birrueta and Cassidy Jasperson.
As an Olympic weight class, there could be some tough competitors who drop down to try to take the World Team spot. Two-time World medalist Helen Maroulis reportedly is considering the move to 53 kg, which would make the Challenge Tournament considerably more competitive. There could be others who make a move to this weight.
55 kg/121 lbs.
This is a non-Olympic weight class which has been owned by two-time World medalist Helen Maroulis in recent seasons. Maroulis moved to 58 kg for the Open, and there was a big opportunity for a new champion. Taking the Open gold for the second time was an inspired Sharon Jacobson, who had not wrestled for over two years to pursue MMA. Jacobson won her first Open title in 2006, but has yet to make a Senior World Team.
Reaching the U.S. Open finals was national team member Jacarra Winchester, who also won a WCWA women’s college national title this season. Two-time WCWA college champion Sarah Hildebrandt, who was second at the 2014 Open and World Team Trials behind Maroulis, was third in Vegas. Hildebrandt won a second Pan Am gold in April. College star Hanna Grisewood was fourth at the Open, followed by Hailee Lilly, 2014 University Nationals champion Samantha Klingel and Alyssa Gonzalez.
Missing the Open to compete in the Junior Pan Ams was WCWA college national champion Kayla Miracle, a 2014 Junior World bronze medalist. Miracle has wins two wins over Winchester this season.
UWW Junior World Team member Becka Leathers, who won a Senior medal at the Klippan Open in Sweden this winter, is a top contender. University Nationals champion Tarkiya Mensah and UWW Junior national team members Areana Villaescusa and Dominique Parrish also have qualified for the field.
58 kg/128 lbs.
A surprise at the Open this year was the decision by two-time World medalist Helen Maroulis to jump to 58 kg and test herself at this Olympic weight. She not only won her sixth Open title, but was named Outstanding Wrestler. Maroulis beat 2012 Olympian Kelsey Campbell in the finals by technical fall. The big question is if Maroulis will stay at 58 kg, drop to 55 kg or even down to the next lower Olympic weight, 53 kg.
Campbell has wrestled well in overseas events this year, and has been in the top five in the World in the past. She scored a big win over two-time World Team member Ali Ragan in the Open semifinals.. Ragan battled back to take third, winning a slugfest over 2014 Cadet World champion Teshya Alo in the bronze-medal round. Ragan was fifth in the World last year.
Trinity Griffin, the 2014 U.S. Open runner-up, placed fifth in Las Vegas, and has the ability to reach the finals at Trials.
Also qualifying at the Open were high school star Maya Nelson and veteran Melissa Apodaca, a past Open runner-up. College wrestlers Brieana Delgado, University Nationals champion Montana Drum, Erica Mihalca and Francesca Giorgio have also earned a spot in the field.
Junior World medalist Kayla Miracle would be a factor is she stays at 58 kg instead of dropping to 55 kg.
60 kg/132 lbs.
Two-time World team member Leigh Jaynes-Provisor looked strong in Las Vegas, winning her second Open title and heading into the Trials with momentum. She beat 2014 World Team member Jenna Burkert in the finals, the second straight year Burkert was the Open runner-up. Provisor has a dangerous style which often leads to high-scoring bouts.
2014 U.S. Open champion Jennifer Page finished third in Las Vegas. She was injured and could not wrestle in Madison last year, and is seeking her first Senior World Team berth. Page is a past Junior World bronze medalist. Lauren Louive, who is having her best season on the Senior circuit, was fourth in Las Vegas. Also qualifying for the Trials at the Open were young Brandi Green, Arian Carpio and Olivia Seppinni. College star Rachel McFarland won a silver medal at the University Nationals.
63 kg/138.75 lbs.
2012 World champion and four-time World medalist Elena Pirozhkova did not compete at 63 kg at the Open, winning the gold medal at 67 kg. Winning her second career Open title was Erin Clodgo, who placed second behind Pirozhkova at the U.S. Open and the World Team Trials last year. She beat Pirozhkova in the second bout of their best-of-three series in Madison last year. Clodgo has won five international medals so far this season.
Two-time WCWA college champion Amanda Hendey placed second at the Open, her second silver medal at the nationals in her career. A veteran challenger Randyll Beltz was third in Las Vegas, one of the best efforts of her career. College stars Jessica Kee and Forrest Molinari were fourth and fifth at the Open, respectively. Also qualifying at the Open were high school star Koral Sugiyama and Marina Briceno.
Alexis Porter comes off a big win at the University Nationals and has competed on past Junior World and Cadet World teams. Shai Mason, second at Universities this year, has been a strong challenger in recent seasons. UWW Junior Nationals champion Mallory Velte also earned a spot in the field.
69 kg /152 lbs.
Two of our nation’s top stars met in the U.S. Open finals, with 2012 World champion and four-time World medalist Elena Pirozhkova battling 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Randi Miller. The athletes split a pair of meetings earlier in the season. It was Pirozhkova who earned a close 4-3 win and advances to the finals series in Madison. The question is whether Pirozhkova decides to drop back to 63 kg for the Trials.
Miller took five years off from the sport and is back to top form, making the 2014 U.S. World Team. 2013 World Team member Veronica Carlson was third in Las Vegas but suffered a serious injury there, and is not expected to compete in Madison. She completed the bronze-medal bout in spite of having a broken arm.
Past Junior World Team member and college star Kayla Aggio was fourth at the Open, and looking to crack into the top on the Senior level. College wrestlers Lisa Gonzalez, Lorrie Ramos and Monica Ramirez also earned a trip to Madison through their performance at the Open. Ramos is a past Junior World Team member.
University Nationals champion Tamyra Mensah has the ability to make the finals here. A past WCWA national champion, Mensah has substantial international experience. College wrestlers Cheyenne Youngblood, Hanna Hall and Michelle Organ are seeking to move up in the standings here. High school stars Skylar Grote and Jessika Rottier could be a factor as well.
75 kg/165 lbs.
Two-time World champion Adeline Gray has been dominant, not only against American opponents, but also at the World level. She won all of her bouts at the World Cup this year, and also won gold at the Cerro Pelado International in Cuba. She won her third Open title and was dominant in her matches.
Winning the 2014 U.S. Open and taking second this year was Jackie Cataline, who took a number of years off from wrestling, but has come back strong. This year, she won the Bill Farrell International, the Open Cup of Russia and the Mongolia Open.
WCWA college national champion and 2014 Junior World bronze medalist Victoria Francis was third at the Open and will made a push to reach the Trials finals. She has shown steady improvement. 2005 World champion Iris Smith continues to be a threat, taking fourth at the Open and winning silvers at the Dave Schultz Memorial and the Open Cup of Russia.
Young Nauni Hill, Courtney Tompkins and Clarc Walker also qualified at the Open. Brittany Roberts missed last season with injury, but has come back successfully, with silver medals at the Minnesota Storm Cup and the Bill Farrell International. WCWA college runner-up Ashley Miles could be a factor if she enters. A large group of UWW Juniors may also compete, Rachel Watters, Katerina Lobsinger, Kendall Reusing, Destane Garrick and Tatiana Vazquez.
2015 U.S. World Team Trials Women’s Schedule
Saturday, June 13
10 a.m. – Challenge Tournament (53 kg, 58 kg, 63 kg, 75 kg)
5 p.m. – Finals (53 kg, 58 kg, 63 kg, 75 kg)
Sunday, June 14
10 a.m. – Challenge Tournament (48 kg, 55 kg, 60 kg, 69 kg)
5 p.m. – Finals (48 kg, 55 kg, 60 kg, 69 kg)
2015 U.S. World Team Trials Women’s Qualifiers
48 kg/105.5 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Victoria Anthony, Huntington Beach, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Alyssa Lampe, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Clarissa Chun, Morgantown, W.Va. (Sunkist Kids)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Erin Golston, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Amy Golding, Duanesburg, N.Y. (ATWA)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Sarah Allen, Huber Heights, Ohio (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Allene Somera, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Army WCAP)
2015 WCWA Nationals champion, 101 – Emily Webster, Sedalia, Mo. (Oklahoma City)
2015 WCWA Nationals runner-up, 101 – Marina Doi, Kingsburg, Calif. (King Univ.)
2015 WCWA Nationals champion, 109 – Cody Pfau, Brush, Colo. (Oklahoma City)
2015 WCWA Nationals, 3rd place, 109 – Grace Paxton, Crawfordsville, Ind. (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
2015 WCWA Nationals, 4th place, 109 – Breonnah Neal, Clemons, N.C. (King Univ.)
2015 Northern Plains Regionals champion – Candace Workman, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 UWW Junior National Team member at 44 kg – Regina Doi, Kingsburg, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 UWW Junior National Team member at 44 kg – Maia Phanthadara, Honolulu, Hawaii (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
2015 UWW Junior National Team member at 48 kg – Sara Allen, Huber Heights, Ohio (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
2015 UWW Junior National Team member at 51 kg – Amy Hou, Rome, Ga. (Titan Mercury WC/OTC)
53 kg/116.5 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Whitney Conder, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Carlene Sluberski, Fredonia, N.Y. (New York AC)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Michaela Hutchison, Lebanon, Ill. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Amy Fearnside, Morgan Hill, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Haley Augello, Lockport, Ill. (NYAC)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Rachel Archer, Winlock, Wash. (Gator/OKCU Women/Men RTC)
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Laura Anderson, Indo, Calif. (Brea WC)
2015 WCWA Nationals, runnerup, 116 – Diaysha Moore, Hearne, Texas (Lindenwood)
2015 University Nationals, runner-up – Shelby Morrison, Amarillo, Texas (Gator OKCU RTC)
Mongolia Open, 2nd place – Katherine Fulp-Allen, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC)
Past World/Olympic Team member – Jessica Medina, Champaign, Ill. (Sunkist Kids)
2015 UWW Junior National Team member at 51 kg – Marizza Birrueta, Grandview, Wash. (Gator OKCU Women’s RTC)
2015 UWW Junior National Team member at 51 kg – Cassidy Jasperson, League City, Texas (Gator OKCU Women’s RTC)
55 kg/121 lbs
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Sharon Jacobson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Jacarra Winchester, San Leandro, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Sarah Hildebrandt, Granger, Ind. (NYAC)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Hanna Grisewood, Warsaw, N.Y. (King Univ.),
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Hailee Lilly, Sanford, N.C. (McKendree Univ.)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Samantha Klingel, Kregesville, Pa. (King Univ.)
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Alyssa Gonzalez, Vallejo, Calif. (McKendree Univ.)
2015 WCWA Nationals, 3rd place – Tarkiya Mensah, Katy, Texas (Wayland Baptist)
Klippan Lady Open, third place – Becka Leathers, Choctaw, Okla. (Chocktaw WC)
UWW Junior National Team member at 55 kg – Areana Villaescusa, Rio Rico, Ariz. (Rio Rico WC/OTC)
UWW Junior National Team member at 55 kg – Dominique Parrish, Scott Valley, Calif. (Scotts Valley Wrestling Academy)
58 kg/128 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Helen Maroulis, Rockville, Md. (Sunkist Kids)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Kelsey Campbell, Tempe, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Alli Ragan, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Teshya Alo, Honolulu, Hawaii (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Trinity Griffin, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Maya Nelson, Denver, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Melissa Apodaca, Camp LeJeune, N.C. (Marines)
2015 WCWA Nationals, 3rd place, 130 – Brieana Delgado, Fountain Inn, S.C. (Oklahoma City)
2015 WCWA Nationals champion, 136 – Kayla Miracle, Campbellsville, Ky. (Campbellsville)
2015 University Nationals, champion – Montana Drum, Neosho, Mo. (MBU Wrestling Club)
2015 University Nationals, runner-up – Erica Mihalca, Petaluma, Calif. (MBU Wrestling Club)
UWW Junior National Team member at 59 kg– Francesca Giorgio, West Lawn, Pa. (Simon Fraser)
60 kg/132 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Leigh Jaynes-Provisor, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S, Army WCAP)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Jenna Burkert, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Jennifer Page, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Lauren Louive, Williamsburg, Ky. (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Brandy Green, Ottawa, Kan. (Braves Wrestling Club)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Arian Carpio, Federal Way, Wash. (Sunkist Kids),
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Olivia Seppinni, Rocklin, Calif. (McKendree Univ.)
2015 University Nationals, runner-up – Rachel McFarland, DeWitt, Mich. (Gator OKCU RTC)
63 kg/138.75 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Erin Clodgo, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Amanda Hendey, Beaumont, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Randyll Beltz, St. Louis, Mo. (Team St.Louis)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Jessica Kee, Laurinburg, S.C. (King University)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Forrest Molinari, Benicia, Calif. (King Univ.)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Koral Sugiyama, Pocatello, Idaho (Pocatello Grapplers),
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Marina Briceno, Simi Valley, Calif. (Black Tornadoes)
2015 WCWA Nationals, runner-up – Shai Mason, Gardenia, Calif. (Jamestown)
2015 University Nationals, champion – Alexis Porter, Ballston Lake, N.Y. (McKendree Univ.)
UWW Junior National Team member at 63 kg– Mallory Velte, Sacramento, Calif. (Simon Fraser)
69 kg/152 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Elena Pirozhkova, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Titan Mercury WC)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Randi Miller, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Veronica Carlson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Kayla Aggio, Rohnert Park, Calif. (Gator/OKCU Women RTC)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Lisa Gonzalez, Rio Grande City, Texas (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Lorrie Ramos, Orlando, Fla. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Monica Ramirez, Baldwin Park, Calif. (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling)
2015 WCWA Nationals, 3rd place, 143 – Cheyenne Youngblood, Temecula, Calif. (Missouri Baptist)
2015 WCWA Nationals, champion, 155 – Julia Salata, Canton, Mich. (King Univ.)
2015 WCWA Nationals, runner-up, 155 – Hanna Hall, Doylestown, Ohio (Campbellsville)
2015 University Nationals, champion – Tamyra Mensah, Katy, Texas (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 Northern Plains Senior Regionals champion –Michelle Organ, Reedsburg, Wis. (Campbellsville Univ.)
UWW Junior National Team member at 67 kg – Skylar Grote, Blairstown, N.J. (Blair Academy)
UWW Junior National Team member at 67 kg – Jessika Rottier, Little Suamico, Wis.
75 kg/165 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Adeline Gray, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Jackie Cataline, Eastvale, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Victoria Francis, Litchfield, Ill. (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Iris Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Army WCAP)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Niauni Hill, Oakland, Calif. (Lindenwood Belleville)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Courteney Tompkins, Santa Maria, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Clarc Walker, Aubrey, Texas (San Francisco State Univ.)
2015 WCWA Nationals, runner-up 170 –Ashley Miles, Katy, Texas (McKendree Univ.)
UWW Junior National Team member at 72 kg – Rachel Watters, Ankeny, Wash. (Gator OKCU Women’s RTC)
UWW Junior National Team member at 72 kg – Katerina Lobsinger, Concord, Calif. (Combat Sports Academy/Battle)
UWW Junior National Team member at 72 kg – Kendall Reusing, Riverside, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
UWW Junior National Team member at 79.5 kg - Clarc Walker, Aubrey, Texas (Cumberlands)
UWW Junior National Team member at 79.5 kg – Destane Garrick, New York, N.Y. (Nieves Wrestling)
UWW Junior National Team member at 79.5 kg - Tatiana Vazquez, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Gator OKCU Women’s RTC)
The United States has placed third in the last two World Championships in women’s freestyle. The program features numerous past World medalists, as well as two Olympic medalists.
Two-time World champion Adeline Gray (75 kg) headlines the field, which includes past World champions Elena Pirozhkova (69 kg), Clarissa Chun (48 kg) and Iris Smith (75 kg). Gray and Pirozhkova boast four career World medals. Chun won a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Games and Randi Miller (69 kg) won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics. Other World medalists in the mix are World silver and bronze medalist Helen Maroulis (58 kg) and two-time World bronze medalist Alyssa Lampe (48 kg).
The champion at the U.S. Open advanced to directly to the best-of-three Championship Series in Madison. However, there is a possibility that a few Open champions may change weight classes, giving up their advantage and moving back into the Challenge Tournament at the new weight. We will find out at weighins.
48 kg/105.5 lbs.
The United States is loaded at this weight, with at least three athletes who are capable of winning World medals. Winning her first U.S. Open title this year was two-time Junior World champion Victoria Anthony, who placed second in the Open the previous three years. She defeated two-time World bronze medalist Alyssa Lampe in the finals. Anthony was fifth in the 2013 World Championships wrestling up a weight.
Lampe has made four World Teams, with bronzes in 2012 and 2013 and a fifth place in 2014. She defeated 2008 World champion and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Clarissa Chun in the semifinals at the Open. Earlier this year, Chun had a win over Lampe at the Dave Schultz Memorial.
2015 University Nationals champion Cody Pfau was also a WCWA Women’s college national champion this year. Pfau beat three-time Junior World medalist Erin Golston at the University Nationals. Golston was fourth in the Open which Pfau missed to win the Junior Pan Am title. Also qualifying for the Trials with a top seven finish in Las Vegas were Amy Golding, Sarah Allen and Allene Somera.
Other qualifiers are four-time WCWA champion Emily Webster, age-group World medalists Marina and Regina Doi, veteran Candace Workman, plus college stars Grace Paxtton, Maia Phanthadara, Amy Hou and Breonnah Neal.
53 kg/116.5 lbs.
Two-time World team member Whitney Conder keeps her top spot with a win at the Open, her third national crown. She was second at the CISM Military Worlds this fall. Reaching the Open finals for the first time was Carlene Sluberski, a national team member and past Junior World Team member who is a college star in Canada.
Veteran Michaela Hutchison, who won three WCWA college titles and is now a college coach, dropped to 53 kg and was third in the Open. Amy Fearnside, a University World medalist and two-time University Nationals champion, was fourth in Vegas. Past Cadet World champion and two-time WCWA women’s college national champion Haley Augello was fifth. Also qualifying through the Open were college stars Rachel Archer and Laura Anderson.
Two-time World team member Jessica Medina is a qualifier, along with WCWA college runner-up Diaysha Moore, University Nationals runner-up Shelby Morrison and UWW Junior National team members Marizza Birrueta and Cassidy Jasperson.
As an Olympic weight class, there could be some tough competitors who drop down to try to take the World Team spot. Two-time World medalist Helen Maroulis reportedly is considering the move to 53 kg, which would make the Challenge Tournament considerably more competitive. There could be others who make a move to this weight.
55 kg/121 lbs.
This is a non-Olympic weight class which has been owned by two-time World medalist Helen Maroulis in recent seasons. Maroulis moved to 58 kg for the Open, and there was a big opportunity for a new champion. Taking the Open gold for the second time was an inspired Sharon Jacobson, who had not wrestled for over two years to pursue MMA. Jacobson won her first Open title in 2006, but has yet to make a Senior World Team.
Reaching the U.S. Open finals was national team member Jacarra Winchester, who also won a WCWA women’s college national title this season. Two-time WCWA college champion Sarah Hildebrandt, who was second at the 2014 Open and World Team Trials behind Maroulis, was third in Vegas. Hildebrandt won a second Pan Am gold in April. College star Hanna Grisewood was fourth at the Open, followed by Hailee Lilly, 2014 University Nationals champion Samantha Klingel and Alyssa Gonzalez.
Missing the Open to compete in the Junior Pan Ams was WCWA college national champion Kayla Miracle, a 2014 Junior World bronze medalist. Miracle has wins two wins over Winchester this season.
UWW Junior World Team member Becka Leathers, who won a Senior medal at the Klippan Open in Sweden this winter, is a top contender. University Nationals champion Tarkiya Mensah and UWW Junior national team members Areana Villaescusa and Dominique Parrish also have qualified for the field.
58 kg/128 lbs.
A surprise at the Open this year was the decision by two-time World medalist Helen Maroulis to jump to 58 kg and test herself at this Olympic weight. She not only won her sixth Open title, but was named Outstanding Wrestler. Maroulis beat 2012 Olympian Kelsey Campbell in the finals by technical fall. The big question is if Maroulis will stay at 58 kg, drop to 55 kg or even down to the next lower Olympic weight, 53 kg.
Campbell has wrestled well in overseas events this year, and has been in the top five in the World in the past. She scored a big win over two-time World Team member Ali Ragan in the Open semifinals.. Ragan battled back to take third, winning a slugfest over 2014 Cadet World champion Teshya Alo in the bronze-medal round. Ragan was fifth in the World last year.
Trinity Griffin, the 2014 U.S. Open runner-up, placed fifth in Las Vegas, and has the ability to reach the finals at Trials.
Also qualifying at the Open were high school star Maya Nelson and veteran Melissa Apodaca, a past Open runner-up. College wrestlers Brieana Delgado, University Nationals champion Montana Drum, Erica Mihalca and Francesca Giorgio have also earned a spot in the field.
Junior World medalist Kayla Miracle would be a factor is she stays at 58 kg instead of dropping to 55 kg.
60 kg/132 lbs.
Two-time World team member Leigh Jaynes-Provisor looked strong in Las Vegas, winning her second Open title and heading into the Trials with momentum. She beat 2014 World Team member Jenna Burkert in the finals, the second straight year Burkert was the Open runner-up. Provisor has a dangerous style which often leads to high-scoring bouts.
2014 U.S. Open champion Jennifer Page finished third in Las Vegas. She was injured and could not wrestle in Madison last year, and is seeking her first Senior World Team berth. Page is a past Junior World bronze medalist. Lauren Louive, who is having her best season on the Senior circuit, was fourth in Las Vegas. Also qualifying for the Trials at the Open were young Brandi Green, Arian Carpio and Olivia Seppinni. College star Rachel McFarland won a silver medal at the University Nationals.
63 kg/138.75 lbs.
2012 World champion and four-time World medalist Elena Pirozhkova did not compete at 63 kg at the Open, winning the gold medal at 67 kg. Winning her second career Open title was Erin Clodgo, who placed second behind Pirozhkova at the U.S. Open and the World Team Trials last year. She beat Pirozhkova in the second bout of their best-of-three series in Madison last year. Clodgo has won five international medals so far this season.
Two-time WCWA college champion Amanda Hendey placed second at the Open, her second silver medal at the nationals in her career. A veteran challenger Randyll Beltz was third in Las Vegas, one of the best efforts of her career. College stars Jessica Kee and Forrest Molinari were fourth and fifth at the Open, respectively. Also qualifying at the Open were high school star Koral Sugiyama and Marina Briceno.
Alexis Porter comes off a big win at the University Nationals and has competed on past Junior World and Cadet World teams. Shai Mason, second at Universities this year, has been a strong challenger in recent seasons. UWW Junior Nationals champion Mallory Velte also earned a spot in the field.
69 kg /152 lbs.
Two of our nation’s top stars met in the U.S. Open finals, with 2012 World champion and four-time World medalist Elena Pirozhkova battling 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Randi Miller. The athletes split a pair of meetings earlier in the season. It was Pirozhkova who earned a close 4-3 win and advances to the finals series in Madison. The question is whether Pirozhkova decides to drop back to 63 kg for the Trials.
Miller took five years off from the sport and is back to top form, making the 2014 U.S. World Team. 2013 World Team member Veronica Carlson was third in Las Vegas but suffered a serious injury there, and is not expected to compete in Madison. She completed the bronze-medal bout in spite of having a broken arm.
Past Junior World Team member and college star Kayla Aggio was fourth at the Open, and looking to crack into the top on the Senior level. College wrestlers Lisa Gonzalez, Lorrie Ramos and Monica Ramirez also earned a trip to Madison through their performance at the Open. Ramos is a past Junior World Team member.
University Nationals champion Tamyra Mensah has the ability to make the finals here. A past WCWA national champion, Mensah has substantial international experience. College wrestlers Cheyenne Youngblood, Hanna Hall and Michelle Organ are seeking to move up in the standings here. High school stars Skylar Grote and Jessika Rottier could be a factor as well.
75 kg/165 lbs.
Two-time World champion Adeline Gray has been dominant, not only against American opponents, but also at the World level. She won all of her bouts at the World Cup this year, and also won gold at the Cerro Pelado International in Cuba. She won her third Open title and was dominant in her matches.
Winning the 2014 U.S. Open and taking second this year was Jackie Cataline, who took a number of years off from wrestling, but has come back strong. This year, she won the Bill Farrell International, the Open Cup of Russia and the Mongolia Open.
WCWA college national champion and 2014 Junior World bronze medalist Victoria Francis was third at the Open and will made a push to reach the Trials finals. She has shown steady improvement. 2005 World champion Iris Smith continues to be a threat, taking fourth at the Open and winning silvers at the Dave Schultz Memorial and the Open Cup of Russia.
Young Nauni Hill, Courtney Tompkins and Clarc Walker also qualified at the Open. Brittany Roberts missed last season with injury, but has come back successfully, with silver medals at the Minnesota Storm Cup and the Bill Farrell International. WCWA college runner-up Ashley Miles could be a factor if she enters. A large group of UWW Juniors may also compete, Rachel Watters, Katerina Lobsinger, Kendall Reusing, Destane Garrick and Tatiana Vazquez.
2015 U.S. World Team Trials Women’s Schedule
Saturday, June 13
10 a.m. – Challenge Tournament (53 kg, 58 kg, 63 kg, 75 kg)
5 p.m. – Finals (53 kg, 58 kg, 63 kg, 75 kg)
Sunday, June 14
10 a.m. – Challenge Tournament (48 kg, 55 kg, 60 kg, 69 kg)
5 p.m. – Finals (48 kg, 55 kg, 60 kg, 69 kg)
2015 U.S. World Team Trials Women’s Qualifiers
48 kg/105.5 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Victoria Anthony, Huntington Beach, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Alyssa Lampe, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Clarissa Chun, Morgantown, W.Va. (Sunkist Kids)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Erin Golston, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Amy Golding, Duanesburg, N.Y. (ATWA)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Sarah Allen, Huber Heights, Ohio (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Allene Somera, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Army WCAP)
2015 WCWA Nationals champion, 101 – Emily Webster, Sedalia, Mo. (Oklahoma City)
2015 WCWA Nationals runner-up, 101 – Marina Doi, Kingsburg, Calif. (King Univ.)
2015 WCWA Nationals champion, 109 – Cody Pfau, Brush, Colo. (Oklahoma City)
2015 WCWA Nationals, 3rd place, 109 – Grace Paxton, Crawfordsville, Ind. (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
2015 WCWA Nationals, 4th place, 109 – Breonnah Neal, Clemons, N.C. (King Univ.)
2015 Northern Plains Regionals champion – Candace Workman, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 UWW Junior National Team member at 44 kg – Regina Doi, Kingsburg, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 UWW Junior National Team member at 44 kg – Maia Phanthadara, Honolulu, Hawaii (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
2015 UWW Junior National Team member at 48 kg – Sara Allen, Huber Heights, Ohio (Univ. of the Cumberlands)
2015 UWW Junior National Team member at 51 kg – Amy Hou, Rome, Ga. (Titan Mercury WC/OTC)
53 kg/116.5 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Whitney Conder, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Carlene Sluberski, Fredonia, N.Y. (New York AC)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Michaela Hutchison, Lebanon, Ill. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Amy Fearnside, Morgan Hill, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Haley Augello, Lockport, Ill. (NYAC)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Rachel Archer, Winlock, Wash. (Gator/OKCU Women/Men RTC)
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Laura Anderson, Indo, Calif. (Brea WC)
2015 WCWA Nationals, runnerup, 116 – Diaysha Moore, Hearne, Texas (Lindenwood)
2015 University Nationals, runner-up – Shelby Morrison, Amarillo, Texas (Gator OKCU RTC)
Mongolia Open, 2nd place – Katherine Fulp-Allen, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC)
Past World/Olympic Team member – Jessica Medina, Champaign, Ill. (Sunkist Kids)
2015 UWW Junior National Team member at 51 kg – Marizza Birrueta, Grandview, Wash. (Gator OKCU Women’s RTC)
2015 UWW Junior National Team member at 51 kg – Cassidy Jasperson, League City, Texas (Gator OKCU Women’s RTC)
55 kg/121 lbs
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Sharon Jacobson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Jacarra Winchester, San Leandro, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Sarah Hildebrandt, Granger, Ind. (NYAC)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Hanna Grisewood, Warsaw, N.Y. (King Univ.),
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Hailee Lilly, Sanford, N.C. (McKendree Univ.)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Samantha Klingel, Kregesville, Pa. (King Univ.)
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Alyssa Gonzalez, Vallejo, Calif. (McKendree Univ.)
2015 WCWA Nationals, 3rd place – Tarkiya Mensah, Katy, Texas (Wayland Baptist)
Klippan Lady Open, third place – Becka Leathers, Choctaw, Okla. (Chocktaw WC)
UWW Junior National Team member at 55 kg – Areana Villaescusa, Rio Rico, Ariz. (Rio Rico WC/OTC)
UWW Junior National Team member at 55 kg – Dominique Parrish, Scott Valley, Calif. (Scotts Valley Wrestling Academy)
58 kg/128 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Helen Maroulis, Rockville, Md. (Sunkist Kids)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Kelsey Campbell, Tempe, Ariz. (Sunkist Kids)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Alli Ragan, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Teshya Alo, Honolulu, Hawaii (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Trinity Griffin, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Maya Nelson, Denver, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Melissa Apodaca, Camp LeJeune, N.C. (Marines)
2015 WCWA Nationals, 3rd place, 130 – Brieana Delgado, Fountain Inn, S.C. (Oklahoma City)
2015 WCWA Nationals champion, 136 – Kayla Miracle, Campbellsville, Ky. (Campbellsville)
2015 University Nationals, champion – Montana Drum, Neosho, Mo. (MBU Wrestling Club)
2015 University Nationals, runner-up – Erica Mihalca, Petaluma, Calif. (MBU Wrestling Club)
UWW Junior National Team member at 59 kg– Francesca Giorgio, West Lawn, Pa. (Simon Fraser)
60 kg/132 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Leigh Jaynes-Provisor, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S, Army WCAP)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Jenna Burkert, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Jennifer Page, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Lauren Louive, Williamsburg, Ky. (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Brandy Green, Ottawa, Kan. (Braves Wrestling Club)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Arian Carpio, Federal Way, Wash. (Sunkist Kids),
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Olivia Seppinni, Rocklin, Calif. (McKendree Univ.)
2015 University Nationals, runner-up – Rachel McFarland, DeWitt, Mich. (Gator OKCU RTC)
63 kg/138.75 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Erin Clodgo, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sunkist Kids)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Amanda Hendey, Beaumont, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Randyll Beltz, St. Louis, Mo. (Team St.Louis)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Jessica Kee, Laurinburg, S.C. (King University)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Forrest Molinari, Benicia, Calif. (King Univ.)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Koral Sugiyama, Pocatello, Idaho (Pocatello Grapplers),
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Marina Briceno, Simi Valley, Calif. (Black Tornadoes)
2015 WCWA Nationals, runner-up – Shai Mason, Gardenia, Calif. (Jamestown)
2015 University Nationals, champion – Alexis Porter, Ballston Lake, N.Y. (McKendree Univ.)
UWW Junior National Team member at 63 kg– Mallory Velte, Sacramento, Calif. (Simon Fraser)
69 kg/152 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Elena Pirozhkova, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Titan Mercury WC)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Randi Miller, Colorado Springs, Colo. (U.S. Army WCAP)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Veronica Carlson, Colorado Springs, Colo. (NYAC)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Kayla Aggio, Rohnert Park, Calif. (Gator/OKCU Women RTC)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Lisa Gonzalez, Rio Grande City, Texas (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Lorrie Ramos, Orlando, Fla. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Monica Ramirez, Baldwin Park, Calif. (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling)
2015 WCWA Nationals, 3rd place, 143 – Cheyenne Youngblood, Temecula, Calif. (Missouri Baptist)
2015 WCWA Nationals, champion, 155 – Julia Salata, Canton, Mich. (King Univ.)
2015 WCWA Nationals, runner-up, 155 – Hanna Hall, Doylestown, Ohio (Campbellsville)
2015 University Nationals, champion – Tamyra Mensah, Katy, Texas (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 Northern Plains Senior Regionals champion –Michelle Organ, Reedsburg, Wis. (Campbellsville Univ.)
UWW Junior National Team member at 67 kg – Skylar Grote, Blairstown, N.J. (Blair Academy)
UWW Junior National Team member at 67 kg – Jessika Rottier, Little Suamico, Wis.
75 kg/165 lbs.
Final Wrestle-off Qualifier -
2015 U.S. Open champion – Adeline Gray, Colorado Springs, Colo. (New York AC)
Trials Tournament Qualifiers
2015 U.S. Open second place – Jackie Cataline, Eastvale, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open third place – Victoria Francis, Litchfield, Ill. (Lindenwood Women`s Wrestling)
2015 U.S. Open fourth place – Iris Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Army WCAP)
2015 U.S. Open fifth place – Niauni Hill, Oakland, Calif. (Lindenwood Belleville)
2015 U.S. Open sixth place – Courteney Tompkins, Santa Maria, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
2015 U.S. Open seventh place – Clarc Walker, Aubrey, Texas (San Francisco State Univ.)
2015 WCWA Nationals, runner-up 170 –Ashley Miles, Katy, Texas (McKendree Univ.)
UWW Junior National Team member at 72 kg – Rachel Watters, Ankeny, Wash. (Gator OKCU Women’s RTC)
UWW Junior National Team member at 72 kg – Katerina Lobsinger, Concord, Calif. (Combat Sports Academy/Battle)
UWW Junior National Team member at 72 kg – Kendall Reusing, Riverside, Calif. (Titan Mercury WC)
UWW Junior National Team member at 79.5 kg - Clarc Walker, Aubrey, Texas (Cumberlands)
UWW Junior National Team member at 79.5 kg – Destane Garrick, New York, N.Y. (Nieves Wrestling)
UWW Junior National Team member at 79.5 kg - Tatiana Vazquez, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Gator OKCU Women’s RTC)
Read More#
National Team True Third Place Match results, prior to Final X
Beat the Streets New York raises $1.3 million with Annual Benefit, Final X
Draws announced for U20 Pan-American Championships in Santiago, Chile
United World Wrestling releases schedule for Senior World Championships in Belgrade, Sept. 16-24
