The two Iowans to represent the United States are Megan Black of (New York AC/McKendree) at 58 kg and Rachel Watters (New York AC/OKC RTC) at 75 kg. Black is originally from Eddyville-Blakesburg where she made national headlines after becoming the first female to place at the Iowa High School State Championships. Ballard native, Rachel Watters had national and world success throughout here high school career at Ballard but was unable to qualify for the state tournament.
For Watters this will be her fourth World Team appearance making three Junior World Teams prior. Watters dominated in the finals defeating Mariah Harris of Campbellsville 8-0 and 3-1. Watters has been rehabbing and training this summer at the Olympic Training Center. Here’s Rachel on her training and bringing home a World medal.
Megan Black made her first World team after a tough first bout in the finals defeating the No. 1 seed Areana Villeascusa of Army WCAP, 8-6 and then followed that up with an 11-1 tech in bout two. Black started the tournament with a bang, pinning her opponent, Abigail Mainzer, in :35. She followed that up with a close 6-4 decision over Allison Petix of King University. Here is Black on making her first World team.
The two other Iowans entered into the tournament were Jasmine Bailey and Anna Poyner. Both wrestlers were able to come away with victories but were unable to make the medal rounds. Full results below.
Megan Black
Quarterfinal – Megan Black (NYAC/McKendree) won by fall over Abigail Mainzer (Aries Wrestling Club/OKC RTC) (Fall 0:35)
Semifinal – Megan Black (NYAC/McKendree) won by decision over Allison Petix (King University) (Dec 6-4)
Finals Round 1 – Megan Black (NYAC/McKendree) won by decision over Areana Villaescusa (Army (WCAP)) (Dec 8-6)
Finals Round 2 – Megan Black (NYAC/McKendree) won by tech fall over Areana Villaescusa (Army (WCAP)) (TF 11-1)
Rachel Watters
Quarterfinal – Rachel Watters (NYAC/OCU) received a bye () (Bye)
Semifinal – Rachel Watters (NYAC/OCU) won by decision over Kacie Moorehouse (Choker Wrestling Club) (Dec 8-1)
Finals Round 1 – Rachel Watters (NYAC/OCU) won by decision over Mariah Harris (Campbellsville University) (Dec 8-0)
Finals Round 2 – Rachel Watters (NYAC/OCU) won by decision over Mariah Harris (Campbellsville University) (Dec 3-1)
Jasmine Bailey
Champ. Round 1 – Jasmine Bailey (McKendree Bearcat WC) won by tech fall over Leslie Alaniz (Lindenwood University) (TF 10-0)
Quarterfinal – Yvonne Galindo (Aries Wrestling Club/OKC RTC) won by tech fall over Jasmine Bailey (McKendree Bearcat WC) (TF 10-0)
Cons. Round 2 – Jasmine Bailey (McKendree Bearcat WC) won by tech fall over Robin Torres (Aries Wrestling Club/OKC RTC) (TF 10-0)
Cons. Round 3 – Andrea Sennett (McKendree Bearcat WC) won by fall over Jasmine Bailey (McKendree Bearcat WC) (Fall 0:27)
Anna Poyner
Champ. Round 1 – Maya Nelson (Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club) won by tech fall over Anna Poyner (Missouri Valley Wrestling Club) (TF 10-0)
Cons. Round 1 – Anna Poyner (Missouri Valley Wrestling Club) won by tech fall over Andrea Altamira (Lindenwood University) (TF 14-4)
Cons. Round 2 – Sarah Bollinger (Missouri Baptist Wrestling Clu) won by fall over Anna Poyner (Missouri Valley Wrestling Club) (Fall 2:54)