April 11, 2008 - The Lock Haven University wrestling team has a winning tradition that dates back generations, with a list of alumni that includes Olympians, national champions and Pennsylvania wrestling icons.

Now, the university’s newly-formed women’s program is picking up steam and looks to establish a tradition of its own, with  Rachael Groft leading the charge. Depending on how she fares this weekend, Rachael may qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials in June in Las Vegas, Nev.

Rachael has come a long way since her days as a self-proclaimed “tomboy” who started wrestling in the fourth grade. Her parents were “kind of iffy” about the idea and suggested she go out for cheerleading or basketball. Eventually they gave in and now her mom is one of her biggest supporters.  

Mom may well be heading to Beijing this summer to watch her daughter wrestle at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Full story

Filed under: College Athletics, Olympics, Wrestling by jane
No Comments »

As women’s wrestling gains momentum (it became an Olympic event in the 2004 Games) more and more female high school and college student-athletes are taking up the sport.

Below are a few facts about girls’ wrestling and some online resources to learn more about this growing phenomenon: (more…)

Filed under: 101-Basics, College Athletics, High School Athletics, Wrestling by admin
No Comments »

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Nov. 3, 2007 - Known to sports-entertainment fans as Hall of Famer Fabulous Moolah, wrestler Lillian Ellison passed away last night in Columbia, S.C at the age of 84. 

In the world of women’s wrestling The Fabulous Moolah was the one irrefutable legend that stood head and shoulders above the rest. She was the longest reigning champion in the history of her chosen sport, or any sport for that matter. And with more than 50 years in the business to her credit, she established a legacy that will never be forgotten, making her name synonymous with female wrestling.

Born 1923, Ellison was dubbed the Fabulous Moolah after saying she wrestled “for the money … for the moolah.”  She didn’t just dominate women’s wrestling for parts of four decades, she was women’s wrestling.  If you want a great overview,  be sure to rent the movie Lipstick and Dynamite about the early days of women’s wrestling.

Our condolences go out to Moolah’s friends and family.

Watch Video Tribute

Filed under: News Bytes, Profiles, Wrestling by jane
No Comments »