Indian Hills Dawns ICCAC Women's Wrestling

In December 2020, the NJCAA recognized women's wrestling as an emerging sport, which put in motion legislation to recognize it as a nationally sponsored sport in the fall of 2021. Survey results from NJCAA membership showed an interest from enough programs planning to begin over the next three years to sustain sponsored sport status. 

Prior to that, Indian Hills Community College began planning for their own women's wrestling program in the spring of 2019. The plan was to begin competition in fall of 2020, however, with numerous challenges brought on by COVID-19, the Warriors were forced to wait two full years to begin competition.

"COVID has not been ideal to the start of our program," said head coach Cole Spree, "but we have been able to navigate through it for the most part."
"We have lost a couple competitions and some practice time, but I think the most influential thing has been our lady's attitudes. In this unideal circumstance, they have been able to remain positive and grateful for every opportunity they get to compete. 

As the first community college in Iowa to offer women's wrestling, Indian Hills is eager to be a catalyst for the sport's continued growth.

"As more community colleges make the decision to add women's wrestling, Indian Hills is thrilled to be at the forefront of that and help with the growth nationally," IHCC athletic director Brett Monaghan said. "Being the first community college in Iowa to add women's wrestling is very exciting."

Women's wrestling has been growing at a rapid pace with 16 high school athletic associations across the United States now sanctioning girl's wrestling. Currently, there are 61 women's teams at the collegiate level, including four Iowa colleges; Grand View, Iowa Wesleyan, Waldorf, and William Penn.

Indian Hills, located in Centerville, is serving as a popular destination, in part to their proximity to the over 30 Iowa women's high school wrestling club teams. However, as much as being in Centerville is a positive in recruiting, it still draws some concern when scheduling competitions.

"In addition to COVID, another major challenge is that we are the only community college in the Midwest with women's wrestling," Spree said. "Competitions can be difficult to find at times. We are forced to compete against four-year institutions and upper classmen. This can be tough on the girls physically, mentally, and technically."

But as mentioned before, the Warrior women have persevered.

"I have never heard them complain though," Spree continued. "They embrace the challenge each time and are fearless about it."

Despite these challenges, the Warriors are looking forward to the future and are grateful for the opportunity to continue wrestling. Freshman Kari German encourages others to pursue women's wrestling. 

"Do it," German said. "Don't hesitate or you will regret it later on. Taking a leap of faith can lead to great reward. Especially in a sport like women's [wrestling] where we are the foundation for the future."

German and Indian Hills have competed in four competitions thus far in 2021. The Warrior's 16-woman roster spans 10 weight classes from 101 to 191 pounds.

In their first duals they split with Missouri Valley College. Dropping their first match 29-18, they rallied to win 34-13 in the second. Indian Hills then split their next two duals with William Penn. 

Standing out thus far is 136-pounder, Alondra Martinez Rosado. She has stayed undefeated thru four matches, with three technical falls and one forfeit.

Teammate Heaven-Leigh Jackson has also had a strong start in the 109-pound class. After Jackson's loss in the first dual, she has won the three-straight bouts. 

Next up, the Warriors will travel to Fayette, Mo. to face Central Methodist on Feb. 10.

Unfortunately, there will be no NJCAA Championship opportunity for women's wrestling through the 2021-22 academic year. However, there will be an opportunity to compete at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (WNCA) Nationals March 11-13. 

With no clear timeline for an NJCAA Women's Wrestling National Championship, the Warriors are still grateful to be where they are. 

"When you're given an opportunity, take it," Jackson said. "You never know if there will be another one like it."