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Cadet: Greco-Roman | Freestyle • Junior: Greco-Roman | Freestyle • Women
Monday, July 29, 2002
On July 26th and 27th history was made in Fargo, ND, when women wrestled at the ASICS Junior National Championship's.
Minnesota brought 11 women on its' first ever Women's Jr. National Team. Although one member of the team was unable to compete, due to an injury that occurred in training camp.
Team MN also produced the first Women's Jr. National Champion when Rachael Holthaus from Little Falls, MN captured the title in the 95-pound weight class. Holthaus was one of three finalist MN had, Alicia Mena (St. Paul) and Ali Bernard (New Ulm) were also finalist for Team MN.
Bernard finished second losing a close match in the finals to Heather Martin of Ohio. Mena won the title by pinning her opponent in the Finals.
Overall, Team MN wrestled well. Of the 10 wrestlers, MN had 8 All-Americans. Delilah Alverado (Blackduck) placed 7th at 101. At 110 MN placed two wrestlers Alysse Strandford (Minneapolis) finished 6th, while Sara Bergman (Elk River) placed 7th.
Two wrestlers placed 3rd, Chelynne Pringle (Hugo) at 138 and Nickia Jensen (Eden Prairie) at 165.
The team was coached by MN Women's State Director Eric Bettermann, Assistant coach Larry Allen and assistant Coach John Holthaus. Other team members included Lolita Alverado (Blackduck), Alisha Kriesal (St. Francis), and Alisha Zahn (Minneapolis)
The tournament had over 100 girls from 24 states and was a huge success for its first year. Ali Bernard and Alicia Mena were also honored as 1st team ASICS All-Americans. Rachael Hothaus was named to the third team, while Chelynne Pringle and Nickia Jensen were listed as Honorable Mention.