Girls wrestle too

As women’s wrestling gains momentum (it became an Olympic event in the 2004 Games) more and more female high school and college student-athletes are taking up the sport.

Below are a few facts about girls’ wrestling and some online resources to learn more about this growing phenomenon:

• About 4000 girls wrestle at the high school level in the U.S. (compared to 239,000 boys), according to the USA Wrestling Association.
• High school girls’ wrestling has only been sanctioned in two states: Hawaii and Texas (both since 1999).
• Until girls’ wrestling teams are numerous enough to get state sanctioning, girls have to compete at informal divisions or meets instead of state tournaments�or compete against boys. In 2005, there were 17 girls who qualified for boys’ high school state tournaments around the country, and six of those girls placed.
• The U.S. Girls Wrestling Association claims to be the future of the sport. They provide information of USGWA tournaments and events, as well as a discussion forum for female wrestlers and coaches.

Pretty Tough Props

Susan McMann
2004-05 Team USA Ranking: No. 1 at 63 kg/138.75 lbs.
Years on Team USA: 6 (1999-2005)
Residence: Colorado Springs, Colo.
Coach: Tricia Saunders
Born: Sept. 24, 1980 in Tacoma Park, Md.
Height: 5-6
College: Attended Lock Haven Univ., where she was a member of the varsity men�s team coached by Carl Poff. Earned a degree in Theatre. Also attended the Univ. of Minnesota-Morris, where she was coached by Doug Reese.
High School: Attended McDowell High School, where she was coached by Tim Hutchins. 1998 USGWA High School National champion.
Hobbies: Theatre, surfing and reading.