Girl wrestler makes history in Iowa

By: Michelle Castillo
Topics

Megan Black stares down the competition

(Credit: KCCI)

(CBS) Meet Megan Black, a female wrestler. Last year, Black and Cassy Herkelman were the first girls to qualify for the renowned Iowa state wrestling tournament.

Herkelman was in the spotlight after being the first girl to win a match after her male opponent refused to wrestle against her. This year, however, it's Black's year to shine: She's become the first female to win a contested match in state history.

Black, who transferred from Ottumwa High School to Eddyville-Blakesburg High School, lost both of her first round matches in her first appearance in the competition in 2011, but in 2012 she's a force to be reckoned with.

"Last year's two losses were definitely motivation to get two wins. I want to be on the medal stand, and the higher up the better," she told CBS affiliate KCCI in Des Moines, Iowa.

Megan Black defeated her first opponent 10-0

(Credit: KCCI)

And, she's well on her way to do that. Black, who wrestles in the 106-pound category, won her first match 10-0 against Jacob Schmit of Don Bosco of Gilbertville, becoming the first girl in Iowa state history to win a contested match.

"Last year she said she was happy to be in," head coach Corey Connell told KCCI. "This year's she's expecting to win. There's a totally different mindset from last year."

Black's not the only wrestler in her family in the competition. Her brother, Tucker, also qualified for the competition.

The female wrestler knows that there's a long path ahead of her to make it to the podium. "I just wanted to go out and be dominant," Black told KCCI about her first match.

"One win down," she added.

13 Comments +

Add a Comment

See all 13 Comments


by toosmart4u February 18, 2012 4:27 AM EST: If I was an opposing team coach I would forfeit every match and get my team out of there. Its wrong to have girls wrestling at all, but at least have them wrestle other girls.; Reply to this comment


by doctrjr February 18, 2012 12:54 AM EST: Can someone explain to me why it is ok for women to try any male sport they'd like while the same is not true for men. A high school male would never be allowed to play on a girl's volleyball team. The issues may be different (males generally have the size strength advantage versus the physical contact that many high school boys are not comfortable with) but there are many valid reasons why to keep the genders seperate in many sports. If the tables were turned (ie a boy choosing to participate in a girls sport where there is close physical contact) I'm sure it would not be tolerated.
BTW my son's wrestling team has a girl on it. While I admire her for her toughness and courage, I don't believe it is right boys to be forced to wrestle her. Title 9 gave women equal opportunities for sports - not the right to diminish the men's opportunities.; Reply to this comment


by Lindag10 February 17, 2012 9:48 PM EST: Way to go girl.; Reply to this comment


by quotelawrence February 17, 2012 7:33 PM EST: nothing is sacred anything that has been a male sport is now going to be for ladies only it is known most men will not be as aggressive when knowingly hurting a woman this is not sports it is politics.; Reply to this comment


by PourpaixPourpaix February 17, 2012 6:56 PM EST: Today, I would just refuse to wrestle her. But back in my youth, I would have made a point to touch her inappropriately during the match in a way all could see, just to embarass the school for allowing such a stupid thing in the first place.; Reply to this comment


by SeattleMark952 February 17, 2012 6:34 PM EST: I feel sorry for the dude she beat. He'll never hear the end of it.; Reply to this comment


by BlameRepublicanz February 17, 2012 5:53 PM EST: I wrestled a girl in high school...I beat the crap out of her and I didn't feel bad about it.; Reply to this comment


by rich2777 February 17, 2012 5:34 PM EST: Along time ago, during the Vietnam war, and since, women have been burning their bras (rightfully so), suing one way or the other for equal rights and equal treatment. Well, looks like some progress has been made. And, the kid that lost, well his legacy is set for long time.; Reply to this comment


by veronafoamer February 17, 2012 4:56 PM EST: Let me guess...it's a great victory for womankind blah,blah,blah..; Reply to this comment


by overthehill5 February 17, 2012 4:48 PM EST: Let's just say Jacob Schmit is a Gentleman...

Gilbertville should be proud of him!; Reply to this comment