Cassy Herkelman (VIDEO): Female High School Wrestler Wins and Makes History - by Default

(CBS/AP) - Break out the record books. Cedar Falls High School Freshman Cassy Herkelman became the first girl ever to win a match in the Iowa state high school wrestling tournament. Too bad it wasn't very exciting to watch: Cassy's opponent never even showed up.

Joel Northrup, a home-schooled sophomore, said he defaulted on his match with Herkelman because he doesn't think boys and girls should compete in the sport together.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Cassy and Megan and their accomplishments. However, wrestling is a combat sport and it can get violent at times," said Northrup in a news release. "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 already made history just by making it into the tournament. She wasn't alone either: Ottumwa High sophomore Megan Black was also competing. It marks the first time in the tournament's 85-year history that women have participated in the state championship.

Black's first opponent was considerate enough to actually face her. Three years earlier, she was scheduled to wrestle Northrup. He defaulted then too.

"If it's his religion and he's strong in his religion, then I just respect that," Black said. "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."

Cassy is moving on to the quarterfinals on Friday. She was unavailable for comment, but it's safe to say the 112-pound athlete is ready to go. She's already in the history books, now just let her compete!

[Proud_Dad]

As a father of a female wrestler (13 y.o), I see the duplicity of the situation, but I believe it has to be examined on a case by case scenerio. We live in a country that approves of female cops, firefighters and even marines, but are we truly giving them every avenue of training to accomplish those goals? My daughter has always pushed herself to excel. Currently preparing for her black belt, she logically signed up for wrestling this past December. She also talks highly of the Marines and being a fighter pilot, so where do I stop and tell her that those dreams aren't realistic. I seen her fighting on the mats (3W/4L), sometimes its isn't pretty and sometimes scary. As long as she wants it, I'm going to support her. Her coaches says she has natural talent and some serious life lessons are clarified. 1) life is never fair 2) there is never an even playing field.
Oh by the way, girls aren't the only ones crying at matches. I've seen older boys shedding a tear or two, its a physcial and emotional sport, when you give it your all and still get beat...it does suck.

[PhilipTortora]

The Iowa high school wrestler who forfeited match against female opponent illustrates a serious dilemma. Did he make the right choice?

http://philiptortora.blogspot.com/2011/02/iowa-wrestler-who-forfeited-match.html#

[skyriderblue]

Of course he did the right thing.......The kid was put in a loose, loose situation. He is the 5th ranked wrestler in his weight class. His record was 35 and 4. Her record was 20 and 13 and I wonder about the 20 matches she won how many were against other girls??........I read a comment from a mom whose son was set to face a girl and his mom told him to give to her good and let her know what she is in for.....the girl started crying and they had to stop the match, her hair kept falling out and once again they had to stop the match......after the match she just sat on the gym floor and cried......none of my opponents ever did this when I wrestled........the boy felt awful and the girl was crying and what was accomplished......men and women are different and this is a wonderful and beautiful thing.......

[skyriderblue]

Of course he did the right thing.......The kid was put in a loose, loose situation. He is the 5th ranked wrestler in his weight class. His record was 35 and 4. Her record was 20 and 13 and I wonder about the 20 matches she won how many were against other girls??........I read a comment from a mom whose son was set to face a girl and his mom told him to give to her good and let her know what she is in for.....the girl started crying and they had to stop the match, her hair kept falling out and once again they had to stop the match......after the match she just sat on the gym floor and cried......none of my opponents ever did this when I wrestled........the boy felt awful and the girl was crying and what was accomplished?......men and women are different and this is a wonderful and beautiful thing.......

[fantomas4]

This kid did the right thing. I wouldn't wrestle a girl because I A)don't like to hurt women, even if part of legitimate competition, and B) understand that a whole slew of legal issues could arise if the girl or the girl's parents decided that the male wrestler "was too violent/physical" with her. Create a women's league and be done with it.