Historic all-girl Women's Columbia Cup held in Richland, Wash March 6
Share:
by Washington Women's Wrestling
Clarissa Chun, who traveled to Washington as part of USA Wrestling’s Athlete Appearance Program, posed with many of the girls who attended her clinic.
On Sunday, March 6th, in the desert of Eastern Washington, the Hanford High School gymnasium in Richland, Wash. held the past, present, and future of women’s wrestling.
The Washington State Wrestling Association made history as it celebrated USA Wrestling’s “Women’s Wrestling Week” by holding the state’s first sanctioned all-girls tournament.
This first annual Women’s Columbia Cup was sanctioned by the Tri-City Wrestling Club, led byTravis Ayers who has been a long time supporter of women’s wrestling.
“I’m really grateful and appreciate all of the local volunteers who stepped forward to make this tournament happen. Without folks like Miguel Reyna, Dom Duncan, Andy Ashworth, Diane Christensen Halo, and Bob Perkes this tournament would not have happened and would not have been the great success that it was,” said Andrea Yamamoto, Washington State Wrestling Association’s Women’s Director.
Clarissa Chun, 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist and 2008 World Champion, just off winning the gold medal at the Pan American Championships a week before, represented USA Wrestling’s Women’s National Team. Her clinic and activities were part of USA Wrestling’s successful Athlete Appearance Program, which provides top athletes and coaches for local activities through state associates.
Wrestling pioneer and 1990 and 1991 World silver medalist Marie Ziegler also made a special guest appearance.
The future of women’s wrestling was well represented by almost 200 girls from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho who competed both Freestyle and Folkstyle from the Pee Wee to Open division.
With Washington as one of only six states to have sanctioned girls high school wrestling, the tournament still drew Junior division wrestlers who competed in the Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association high school state tournament only a few weeks before.
“There was some great wrestling and fierce competition. We’re really looking forward to the 2nd Annual Women’s Columbia Cup next year,” said Yamamoto.
TV Coverage:
http://www.kvewtv.com/video/25872/
Read More#
Benjamin wins silver, Bommarito adds bronze at Beach World Series Monterrey in Mexico
Dean, Williams among double champions at USA Wrestling Western Regional
Raney, Black, Bey and Jacobson join Melelashvili as Senior Pan American Greco-Roman champions
Six talented U.S. athletes to compete in first 2025 Beach World Series event in Monterrey, Mexico, May 12-13
