Huynh wins Outstanding Wrestler as Simon Fraser captures first NAIA Coaches North American Women’s C
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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
03/01/2002
Carol Huynh of Simon Fraser Univ., a 2001 World silver medalist for Canada, put on a display of spectacular wrestling and was awarded the Outstanding Wrestler award at the first NAIA Coaches North American Women's Wrestling Championships, held in Great Falls, Mont., Feb. 28-March 1. Huynh, the champion at 48 kg/105 lbs., was one of three champions for Simon Fraser, which edged Missouri Valley College for the team title by just two points. Entering the tournament, Missouri Valley was No. 1 and Simon Fraser was No. 3 in the North American rankings, and both teams showed why they are so well respected. Also winning gold medals for Simon Fraser were Ashlea McManus at 67 kg/147.5 pounds and Shannon Samler at 72 kg/158.5 lbs. Huynh won four matches during the tournament, all by technical fall. She outscored her four opponents 43-0 in the tournament, scoring many spectacular takedowns and tilts McManus won her gold medal, claiming her roundrobin with an 11-0 technical fall over runner-up Molly Keith of Missouri Valley, 11-0 in the final matches. Samler clinched her roundrobin competition with a 9-1 win over runner-up Kaci Lyle of Pacific in the final match. Missouri Valley College also had three individual champions: Malissa Sherwood at 55 kg/121 lbs., Tori Adams at 63 kg/138.5 pounds and Hillary Leith at 77 kg/169.5 lbs. Sherwood triumphed in one of the most exciting finals bouts, defeating Angela Mah of Simon Fraser, 15-9 in the gold-medal match. Sherwood jumped to a big early lead, but Mah used a variety of armthrows to battle back to a 9-9 tie in the second period. Sherwood, who was injured during the match, showed some great courage to score six unanswered points to close out the victory. Adams was in control the entire tournament, scoring two pins and two solid decisions. She ended the tournament with a pin over third-place Emily Richardson of Douglas in 5:58. Leith ended the final round with a pin over Christy Wark of Simon Fraser in 3:20. The other two individual champions were Lyndsay Belisle of the Univ. of British Columbia at 51 kg/112 lbs. and Tela O'Donnell of Pacific Univ. at 59 kg/130 lbs. Belisle, who placed fourth in the World Championships for Canada, dominated her opponents with two pins and two technical falls. O'Donnell won the most wide-open and exciting finals match, stopping Missouri Valley College star Tonya Evinger in a 9-8 overtime thriller. Evinger had an 8-3 lead in the second period, but O'Donnell scored a takedown and three tilts, including two points on the buzzer to tie the bout at 8-8. Evinger was close to scoring a takedown in overtime for the win, but the officials awarded no points. O'Donnell followed up with an armspin takedown for the thrilling 9-8 win. The quality of the wrestling action was high, and the coaches of the teams involved were pleased with the first NAIA Coaches event. Competing in front of the fans who were also attending the NAIA National Championships for men, the tournament showcased women's wrestling to many people for the first time. Organizers hope to see this tournament grow in size and prestige in future seasons.