Female Wrestler Shies From The Spotlight

By Mark Carlson, Reporter

Cedar Falls' Cassy Herkelman prepares to wrestle with Indianola's Matt Victor in a Class 3A 112 pound quarterfinal match, Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 in Des Moines, Iowa. Herkelman lost 5-1 on points to Victor. (AP Photo/Steve Pope)

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By Jason Kristufek

Story Created: Feb 18, 2011 at 4:43 PM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 18, 2011 at 8:33 PM CDT

DES MOINES - It was a surprise move that put Cassy Herkelman in the quarterfinals, and today the now infamous default remained a big topic of discussion at the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament.

But the story ended early for the 14-year-old from Cedar Falls, as she was defeated in consecutive matches, ending her hopes of placing at the state tournament.

“I knew that everyone else wanted it just as much as me so I knew it was going to be tough,” Herkelman said, speaking to reporters for the first time.

The freshman commented on yesterdays decision by Joel Northrup, a Linn-Mar High School sophomore, to default.

“He has the right to make a choice and he made his choice and it’s not like it wasn’t his choice,” Herkelman said.

Appearing alongside his daughter, Bill Herkelman also commented on Thursday’s events.

“I respect their decision. I don’t second guess any of their decision. It’s a personal decision that they had to do, and I understand,” he said.

Cassy Herkelman plans to be back at the tournament next year, and she’s excited about how things turned out in the 2010/11 season.

“Next year I hope to win more matches,” she said.

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