2003 U.S. Women’s Nationals preview at 63 kg/138.5 lbs.

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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
05/04/2003


Controlling her weight division for three years has been Sara McMann of the Sunkist Kids, who is still in search of her first World-level medal. At last year's World meet, McMann lost in her pool to the eventual champion from Japan, an athlete McMann beat this year in Europe. She has beaten most of the world's top athletes in her class, but has yet to put it all together at the World Championships. McMann is defending a three-year run of U.S. Nationals titles and World Team Trials victories, a sign of dominance against American opponents.    Last year, her top challenger was six-time World medalist Kristie Marano of ATWA, who lost to McMann for the World Team spot. Marano won a Wrestle-off for the World team competing up at 147.5 pounds, then claimed a bronze medal at the World Championships there. She has won more World medals than any other U.S. female wrestler. When Marano started collecting World medals, it was at the highest weight division. She has dropped in weight, and will be making a run at the first Olympic Games for women wrestlers at this division.    Also on the National Team is No. 3 Tori Adams of the Gator WC, a former Junior World medalist and age-group national star. Adams left college wrestling to become a USOTC resident athlete, and will have McMann and Marano also training there. Another resident athlete who may compete here, Sally Roberts of the Gator WC is very strong. Roberts beat Adams at this year's University Nationals, but could be making the move down to 59 kg.    College star Alaina Berube of Cumberland College is seeking success on the Senior level, after winning the FILA Junior Nationals. Berube comes from good wrestling stock, as her cousin Jackie was a Women's World silver medalist before switching to Olympic weightlifting. Veteran Tina Arnds of Missouri Valley is a factor if she drops to this class. Arnds competed the entire college season up at 67 kg.    Veteran Grace Magnussen of the Dave Schultz WC is always a factor, but may also drop down a division. Ashley Sword of the New York AC has made the commitment to train in Colorado Springs, and has emerged as a contender. Sword placed second behind Berube at the FILA Junior Nationals this year.    College wrestlers Leigh Jaynes of Missouri Valley, Ranae Faaborg of UM-Morris and Linse Meadows of Neosho County CC will add depth. Jaynes may make the move down to 59 kg, where she has also had success. Ginele Lee of South Sound was a national placewinner last year, taking seventh in Las Vegas. High school athlete Chelynne Pringle of Minnesota was third in the FILA Junior Nationals this year, and has potential to continue her improvement.     2002 U.S. Women's Nationals results at 63 kg/138.5 lbs.  1st - Sara McMann, Lock Haven, Pa. (Sunkist Kids) dec. Kristie Stenglein-Marano, Albany, N.Y. (ATWA), 7-1  3rd - Tori Adams, Amarillo, Texas (Missouri Valley) dec. Grace Magnussen, Walnut Creek, Calif. (Dave Schultz WC), 6-0  5th - Sally Roberts, Federal Way, Wash. (Pacific) dec. Tina Arnds, Scottsdale, Ariz. (Missouri Valley), 5-2  7th - Ginele Lee, Olympia, Wash. (South Sound) won by forfeit