Cassy Herkelman, female wrestler, loses in Iowa state quarterfinals

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

A day after becoming the first girl to win a match in Iowa’s state high school wrestling tournament, Cedar Falls freshman Cassy Herkelman lost her quarterfinal match, 5-1, to Indianola’s Matt Victor in the 112-pound weight class Friday.

Herkelman, who entered the tournament with a 20-13 record, won her opening-round match Thursday when her opponent, Joel Northrup, a home-schooled student wrestling for Linn-Mar, refused to wrestle a girl based on his beliefs.

She and Ottumwa sophomore Megan Black were the first two girls to qualify for the tournament in its 85-year history. Black lost her first two matches and was eliminated from the competition.

Herkelman is expected to compete in the consolation bracket later Friday.

[Updated at 9:42 a.m.: Herkelman was eliminated from competition when she was pinned by Des Moines Hoover senior Jordan Jones in their consolation match.]

-- Chuck Schilken

Peruvian