Cassy Herkelman Is The Bigger Person In The 112-Pound Weight Class

This week, a God-fearin' home-schooled young man named Joel Northrup refused to face Cassy Herkelman in the ring because his faith doesn't allow men wrasslin' ladies. In a statement issued by his host school (because public high school athletic departments in Iowa have public relations experts?), Northrup explained that "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."

Today, Herkelman responded. "He had the right to make his own choice, and he made his choice," the 16 year-old said. "It's not like he did what he didn't want to do." With Northrup's decision, Herkelman became the first girl to win a match in Iowa's state tournament. She was eliminated today after two straight losses.

Pure class from Cassy, and from her father, who said of the Northrups, "That's their belief, and I praise them for sticking to it." To that end, Pyle of List puts forth "Six Out Of Context Bible Verses That Support Men Wrestling Women." Leviticus 18:22, for example, reads "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman." Male-on-male wrestling is just like gay marriage which is, in the grand pyramid of religious don'ts, much worse than competing against a woman! I dare the Northrups to grapple with that hypocrisy.

But, still. Hats off to Ms. Herkelman.

Girl wrestler not bitter about default win [AP]

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It is sixty-five degrees here. Enjoy the fast-moving cars and the high-flying men this weekend.