112 lb Cassy Herkelman, a freshman at Cedar Falls High School, is the first female to win a match in an Iowa state high school wrestling tournament. Her competitor, Joel Northup, a home-schooled sophomore, didn't show up due to his personal belief that males and females should not compete against one another in wrestling.
He had this to say, "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Cassy... However, wrestling is a combat sport and it can get violent at times... As a matter of conscience and my faith I do not believe that it is appropriate for a boy to engage a girl in this manner. It is unfortunate that I have been placed in a situation not seen in most other high school sports in Iowa."
Herkelman made history by qualifying to participate in the tournament. Another female was competing as well, Ottumwa High sophomore Megan Black was also competing.
Three years ago, Black's first opponent was Northrup who defaulted at that time too.
"If it's his religion and he's strong in his religion, then I just respect that... Obviously, everyone can be pointing fingers at him. He, at least, is true to his beliefs and you have to respect that. It takes a lot for a 15- or 16-year-old boy to do," Black said.
Cassy is moving on to the quarterfinals on Friday.
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