Cassy Herkelman

Cassy Herkelman : Joel Northrup, Cassy Herkelman had no chance to fight his opponent down, but she made history anyway. The teenager Cedar Falls, Iowa, became the first girl to win state control game after his opponent forfeited rather than face an opponent female. Joel Northrup, a high school student who entered the tournament 35-4 and was the favorite, has refused to meet the 112-pound Cassy today. Cedar Falls Cassy Herkelman, center, and his opponent Joel Northrup, center left, Linn-Mar high, standing at the scorer's table waiting for their class rings before their first-round match at 112 pounds 3A tournament of Iowa State Wrestling Thursday, February 17, 2011 in Des Moines, Iowa.Steve Pope, AP Cedar Falls "Cassy Herkelman, center, and his opponent Joel Northrup, center left, Linn-Mar high, standing at the table mark awaiting their leg bands before Class 3A first-round match at the 112-pound tournament at Iowa State Wrestling Thursday in Des Moines. I have enormous respect for Cassy and [Megan Black, the second daughter who qualified] and their achievements. However, wrestling is a combat sport and it can become violent at times. As a matter of conscience and my faith, I do not think it's appropriate for a boy to engage a girl this way, "he said in a statement to the press." It is unfortunate that I was placed in a situation not seen in most other sports in high school in Iowa. So, Cassy, a rookie who was one of the two girls ever to qualify for the match state in the first round, won the match by default. When the arms were raised in today’s victory by the referee, cheers and boos was heard in public, according to the Associated Press. Joel's father, Jamie Northrup, said deciding to forfeit the match was a difficult choice. We spent a few days in agony, "said Jamie Northrup-Des Moines Register today." And give Joel really allow him to make the decision. Joel is home schooled, but fights for the Linn-Mar High School in Marion. Mahmens Scott, manager of the school, said the teenager would not receive punishment for his coaches. Cedar Falls Herkelman Cassy gets his arm raised after winning by default in a Class 3A tournament match at 112 pounds for Iowa State Wrestling Thursday, February 17, 2011 in Des Moines, Iowa.Steve Pope, and AP Cassy gets his arm raised after winning by default in the tournament at Iowa State Wrestling. We will support our student-athletes, no matter what, "he told Radio Iowa Mahmens. Cassy, who entered the tournament 20-13, was unavailable for comment today. A phone number repeatedly rank of the family home in Iowa. His father, however, sent a text message to the AP today in which he said he had no ill will toward her or Joel family. It's good to get the first win and have her be on the way to the medal round, "Bill Herkelman writes." I sincerely respect the decision of the Northrup family especially that it was made on the biggest stage of the struggle. I've heard nothing but good things about the family and hope Joel Northrup made very well the rest of the tournament. Megan Black, the second girl ever qualifies for the match, lost his two matches today and is eliminated from the tournament. Cassy Herkelman