Megan Black has already had several unique experiences through the sport of wrestling. At some point, one of those experiences may include competing in the Summer Olympics.
Black’s attempt to qualify for this year’s U.S. Olympic Team Trials came up short at the 2015 Senior Nationals and Olympic Trials Qualifier in Las Vegas. The Batavia native and only female competitor to place at the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament went 1-2 in matches in the 58 kilogram weight class in the Senior Women’s Freestyle division.
Black was one of nine members of the McKendree University women’s wrestling team to compete at the Senior Nationals. Among those teammates for the Bearcats that wrestled for spots in the U.S. Olympic Trials included Cedar Falls native Cassy Herkelman, who joined Black in being the first two females to qualify for the Iowa State Wrestling Tournament back in 2011, and Iowa City West graduate Jasmine Bailey.
Besides having two active members of the team qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials, McKendree University women’s wrestling graduate assistant coach Michaela Hutchison also earned a berth in the event that will take place in Iowa City April 9-10.
Hutchison won the national championship at 53 kilograms, while sophomores Alexis Porter (63kg) and Brandy Lowe (75kg) earned fifth place in their respective weight classes.
Hutchison pinned her first three opponents to reach the championship finals. She went on to earn a 3-0 decision win over Haley Augello of the New York Athletic Club in the championship match.
Black has already proven she can compete successfully on the international level. Back in 2015, Black won gold as the individual champion at 55 kilograms (121 pounds) while representing the United States at the Junior Pan American Women’s Championships.
Black currently wrestles in the 123-pound weight class for McKendree, an NCAA Division II school located in Lebanon, Illinois. Having already earned All-American honors after finishing seventh in the country at 130 pounds for King University as a freshman, Black will look to continue on with a successful sophomore campaign.
The next scheduled competition for the McKendree women’s wrestling team will be the NWCA National Duals on Jan. 8 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Courtesy of: Ottumwa Courier