Cedar Falls, Ottumwa girls make history as first females in state wrestling field

Cedar Falls' Cassy Herkelman and Ottumwa's Megan Black are the first females to qualify for the Iowa High School Athletic Association state wrestling tournament. The pair qualified for the Class 3A meet at 112 pounds, which opens with the first round Thursday.Herkelman owns a 20-13 record. She qualified by finishing as a runner-up to Waverly-Shell Rock's No. 9-ranked Spencer Derifield in the district at Waverly.“I don't know how it is going to feel,” Herkelman told the Waterloo Courier about competing at state. “I don't think I can describe it. It's going to be … I'm excited.”There are currently 39 girls involved in high school wrestling. Herkelman placed fifth at the Mississippi Valley Conference meet in January. The feat has attracted a big spotlight, but it will definitely be a momentous occasion when she takes the mat Thursday.“What can you say about it,” Cedar Falls Coach Wil Kelly said to the Waterloo Courier. “We're all real excited for her. It will be … I don't know what more to say … we're excited. It is a sweet opportunity for her Thursday.”Her first-round opponent is Linn-Mar's fifth-ranked Joel Northrup (35-4). Northrup was third last year as a freshman, going 38-4. Linn-Mar Coach Doug Streicher didn't elaborate on the opening match, but the pairings have been addressed.“We've discussed it,” Streicher said.Jamie Northup, Joel's father, declined to comment on being a part of the historic match.“I don't have any comments on the draw,” Jamie Northrup said.Black, a sophomore with a 25-13 record, advanced to the state meet with a runner-up finish at the Mount Pleasant district, placing behind Iowa City West's Ernest Willis. Black has a pedigree in the sport. her father, Matt, was a state qualifier, and her uncle, Jason, was a standout for Ottumwa before becoming a two-time All-American for Buena Vista, placing sixth in 1994 and third in 1995.

WATCH: Megan Black talks about how working on a farm and climbing ropes helps her prepare