Kay, Matakaiongo Claim National Wrestling Titles

By Tom Zulewski

Just like they did at the Utah 3A girls state championship last month, Julia Kay and Tilisa Matakaiongo continued their dominating stretch as the pair won national titles in their respective weight classes at the USA Wrestling 16U Nationals held March 16 at the UNI Dome on the campus of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

Competing at 115 pounds, Kay defeated Iliana Castaneda of Arizona in a 4-2 decision to earn her championship medal. Matakaiongo earned her second championship medal in as many months when she pinned Ella Brown of Big Game Wrestling Club in the heavyweight final at the 2:49 mark.

Along with Kay’s win in the weight class, CV head coach Dallas Lowry confirmed Kristie Jensen finished 7th after pinning Kate Seery of Big Game at 2:47. For the weekend, the Falcons had three All-American honorees and three others – Lini Matakaiongo, Eliana Santos-Banks and Marc Richardson – who just missed advancing to the medal rounds at the championships.

Share

Leave the first comment