The Cedar Falls, Iowa, teen became the first girl ever to win the state wrestling match after her competitor forfeited rather than face a female opponent.
Joel Northrup, a high school sophomore who entered the tournament 35-4 and was favored to win, refused to face the 112-pound Cassy today.
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Cassy and [Megan Black, the second girl who qualified] and their accomplishments. However, wrestling is a combat sport and it can get violent at times. As a matter of conscience and my faith, I do not believe that is appropriate for a boy to engage a girl in this manner," he said in a statement to reporters. "It is unfortunate that I have been placed in a situation not seen in most other high school sports in Iowa."
Wrestler Joel Northup Refuses to Face Cassy Herkelman
Comments