Teen Wrestler Refuses to Compete Against Girl: Should Girls Even Be Wrestling?
SodaHead Living
2011/02/18 16:00:00
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When we first heard that an Iowa high school wrestler refused to compete against a girl at the state tournament on Thursday, we thought it was a sexist decision.
But then we read his explanation.
Joel Northrup, a home-schooled sophomore, says he gave up his chance of becoming state champion because of his religious beliefs.
"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," he said in a news release.
Northrup's father, Jamie Northrup, is a minister in an independent Pentecostal church that believes young men and women shouldn't touch in a "familiar way," Bill Randles, the church's pastor, told The Associated Press.
"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."
As a result, freshman Cassy Herkelman and sophomore Megan Black became the first two girls to make the state wrestling tournament in its 85-year history.
"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," said Northrup, further explaining his decision.
Black said Northrup refused to wrestle her three years ago, and she admires him for sticking to his convictions.
"If it's his religion and he's strong in his religion, then I just respect that," she told the AP.
But then we read his explanation.
Joel Northrup, a home-schooled sophomore, says he gave up his chance of becoming state champion because of his religious beliefs.
"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," he said in a news release.
Northrup's father, Jamie Northrup, is a minister in an independent Pentecostal church that believes young men and women shouldn't touch in a "familiar way," Bill Randles, the church's pastor, told The Associated Press.
"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."
As a result, freshman Cassy Herkelman and sophomore Megan Black became the first two girls to make the state wrestling tournament in its 85-year history.
"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," said Northrup, further explaining his decision.
Black said Northrup refused to wrestle her three years ago, and she admires him for sticking to his convictions.
"If it's his religion and he's strong in his religion, then I just respect that," she told the AP.
Read More: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/02/17/sports/m...
Body types are to different and it can create a distracting uncomfortable situation for both genders.
Same reason boys can't play on girls soccer teams or basketball teams. Different body make ups, un -level playing field, dangerous.
Wrestling is a very violent sport at this level, and when the first girl gets injured there will be law suites all over the place.
Had I been matched up with a girl at that age, I would have wrestled her, and viewed her as a competitor.
Do you think that it would be fair to have my 6'2" 225lbs. son be on the girls soccer team, or swim against a girls team?
There are different physical make up's that don't allow for a level playing field.
I think women s sports are fantastic. I'm a huge fan of D-1 fast pitch.
I don't think many men (even pro's) could hit off the pitchers at this level.
It has nothing to do with thinking girls are weak. It is a even competition issue in my mind.
is very low. Males will develop more muscle to pound by nature. This can a dangoures senerio.
Not to mention the adrenaline and testosterone differances.
Girls wrestiling at this level in the lighter weights would stand a better chance of competing successfully.
Like the slam...this has be brought to you by Raymie...the man...liberal facists love to hate...please feel free to learn from the experience...a fool is proven by opening their mouth.
Apparently his dad is the pastor from Footloose.
...damn mormon.
But it's his own personal decision, and he didn't make a big deal out of it. He didn't through a fit overhow he wouldn't hit a girl, he just calmly refused. It's a personal decision.