Posted on 02/18/2011 2:36:18 PM PST by wmfights
A high school wrestler in Iowa refused to compete against a female opponent due to his Christian beliefs. Upon hearing that the match would be with a girl in the state tournament, Joel Northrup decided to lose by default rather than compete against Cassy Herkelman.
The 112-pound wrestler explained, "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Cassy and Megan and their accomplishments. However, wrestling is a combat sport and it can get violent at times."
He continued, "As a matter of conscience and my faith I do not believe that it is appropriate for a boy to engage a girl in this manner. It is unfortunate that I have been placed in a situation not seen in most other high school sports in Iowa."
According to The Associated Press, the boy’s father is a minister at Believers in Grace Fellowship, an independent Pentecostal church in Marion. The church believes that young teens of opposite sex should not come in physical contact with each other in a “familiar way,” according to the church’s pastor.
Northrup’s pastor stated, "We believe in the elevation and respect of woman and we don't think that wrestling a woman is the right thing to do. Body slamming and takedowns, that full contact sport is not how to do that."
The girl’s father, Bill Herkelman, told The Associated press, "It's nice to get the first win and have her be on the way to the medal round.
"I sincerely respect the decision of the Northrup family especially since it was made on the biggest stage in wrestling. I have heard nothing but good things about the Northrup family and hope Joel does very well the remainder of the tourney."
Although the home-schooled sophomore was allowed to compete in the consolations round, due to default and not forfeit, it is possible for him and Herkelman to be matched up again if they both make it to the finals.
Amen.
I’m not so sure about this. It’s not like they wrestle naked or anything. I wrestled in HS and never grabbed anyone’s crotch or anythig like that. I would have just wrestled her... pin her promptly and call it a day.
I only did a bit of wrestling in HS, in PE class.
It seems to me you’re right.
Like I said on another thread, she deserves the respect of an athlete and earned her way there pinning and beating the best on a level playing field.
Too bad the young man couldn't get past whatever issues he had and face her as an athlete.
This also has been posted 6 or 7 times already.
When did wrestling go co-ed? I think I missed something somewhere.
Don’t girls always have their own sports teams?
Is this an Iowa thing? Or maybe I just missed changes in the past few years.
His main issue is that he is a gentleman observing the rules of chivalry.
So you think he was trying to have sex with her?
“His main issue is that he is a gentleman.”
Suffice to conclude it there.
‘Chivalry’ was a set of rules whereby married men could have sex with other women by acting ‘chivalrous’ during the Victorian era.
This wrestler is a good dude, like you.
In the lower weight classes, such as 125 lbs. and below, a talented girl grappler can overcome strength disadvantages with quickness and leverage.
One of the guys on my team in high school got pinned by a girl. During four years of high school wrestling I saw two girls compete the whole time. One was really good and made it to regionals and other got beaten every time.
Not to mention, due to common decency.
>>>Believers in Grace Fellowship<<<
I believe the pastor of this church is a FReeper. I know his excellent Chritian articles are posted here regularly. I’ve been familiar with his writings for many years and his is very sound and courageous.
Apparently, his flock is learing well and following his example.
Men have their proper role.
And women have their proper role.
The leftist have done their best to brainwash America into thinking otherwise.
Imagine for a moment what’s really happening here. Where are all the girls playing HS football, basketball, soccer, etc. against boys?
Why aren’t all sports mixed sex?
Wrestling is targeted for the same reason the military academies, submarine service and combat are targeted.
In wrestling, its also sometimes outsmarting the opponent, not allowing the opponent to get leverage. Case in point in Olympic wrestling when Rulon Gardner won the gold medal. Gardner’s opponent (the Russian, forget his name) was a better wrestler, however Gardner kept throwing counter moves to prevent his opponent from getting the leverage needed to win. Thus a slow moving match. So its not always the strongest, or fastest opponent that wins.
Still, coed wrestling is a potential legal minefield.
You’ve never heard of the high crotch?
Down position?
Because women can't compete at the same level for those sports. That's why there's separate leagues. Even in golf there is a vast difference in ability.
With wrestling, and almost exclusively at the lower weight classes, you will sometimes (although very rarely) see girls who can make up for the strength difference with better technique.
These girls aren't asking for a leg up or a hand out; they have to compete on the exact same playing field at the exact same weight wearing the exact same uniform.
I think the girls should be commended; it's an unbelievable achievement made without the leftist staples of gender norming or affirmative action.
I doubt he'd find some sweaty huge masculine girl attractive.
It's more that he was standing on principle: that women should be feminine; and men, masculine.
And I applaud him for supporting the traditional difference between men and women.
Which difference I am sure is both physical, mental, and genetic--and not cultural--i.e, not a choice; a difference abandoned only from mental illness or genetic mutation.
It seems the girl can hold her own as she has won many matches against the boys.
And now, Joel can add his name to the list of boy wresslers who lost to a girl.
It seems the girl can hold her own as she has won many matches against the boys.
And now, Joel can add his name to the list of boy wresslers who lost to a girl.
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