Central crowns two women’s wrestling champions at conference invitational

WAVERLY-Central College crowned a pair of champions in the inaugural American Rivers Women’s Wrestling Invitational Saturday.

Competing at 191 pounds, Gwen Canney (freshman, Cedar Rapids, Kennedy HS) scored a pair of first-period falls to capture first place. She pinned Emersen Smith of Wartburg College in 56 seconds, then pinned Buena Vista University’s Magalie Mogiga in 1:20.

“Gwen wrestled really well,” coach Paige Baynes said. “She took what we worked on in practice and executed it on the mat.”

Meanwhile, Asia Young (freshman, Houston, Texas, Cypress Ridge HS) took the 235-pound title with an 8-0 decision over teammate Selena Snell (freshman, Kansas City, Mo., University Acadaemy) and then a fall over Mia Lopez of Wartburg College in just 44 seconds.

“She was really good,” Baynes said. “She’s getting really good at her double. I think that’s going to be her move. I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

Esther Hughes (sophomore, Kalona, Hillcrest Academy) took third place at 143 pounds, going 2-2 and notching a fall.

“Third place is huge for her,” Baynes said. “She got to see some different looks. She’s starting to put together that wrestling is more about mentality, it’s not just the physical part of it. She’s learning and growing every time.”

Jenna Hernandez (senior, Slater, Ballard HS) was fifth at 109 pounds, going 1-2.

Six conference teams competed in the meet but no team scores were kept.

Central heads to East Moline, Illinois for the Quad Cities Division III Invitational Feb. 2-3. The tourney will be one of the season’s biggest.

“We’re trying to mimic a national tournament,” Baynes said. “I’m excited about it. I think we have over 20 teams registered for it. I’m looking forward to the women getting some matches outside of Iowa.”

But the break prior to the tourney is much needed.

“I’m hoping we get some of the women healthy,” Baynes said. “It helps having this week off and let them heal up.”