The HWC brought women’s matches back to Iowa City

by Posted on
Erin Golston (New York Athletic Club) defeated Devyn Gomez (Life University) in bout two of the HWC Showdown Open. Contributed photo by Darren Miller, Hawkeye Sports.

The atmosphere in the Xtream Arena for the Hawkeye Wrestling Club Showdown Open was distinctly, Iowa. The presence of fans made the in-person experience spectacular. And maybe even more than normal with the underwhelming number of opportunities to compete in 2020. 

Of the 10 main card matches, 2 featured women. Life University, an NAIA member institution located outside of Atlanta, was represented in both senior-level matches—Head Coach Ashley Sword worked hand-in-hand with Coach Tom Brands to make it happen. “To be asked by Coach Brands to take part in this event would be an honor for any athlete or school,” she said. “For the women to be on the main card, highlighted in equal proportion to the men, it speaks volumes, especially now, as we’ve seen our female athletes fighting for a seat at the table.” 

Coach Brands said they’re serious about women’s wrestling. “Number one, women’s wrestling is exciting, and number two, even if you don’t like it, it’s here to stay,” he said. “Division I women’s wrestling, emerging sport status, that is exciting for me, that’s exciting. Good job Wrestle Like A Girl, good job Sally Roberts.” Presbyterian College and Sacred Heart University are the pioneering Division I institutions with varsity women’s wrestling programs. 

Coach Kevin Black–in the corner for Precious Bell– said, “The Hawkeye Wrestling Club, the Brands and the community really embraced women’s wrestling . . . I think that the Iowa wrestling community treated the women just like everyone else and I think the Brands really need to be applauded for that.” 

Bout 2: Erin Golston (NYAC) def. Devyn Gomez (Life) by fall, :57s
In bout two, true freshman Devyn Gomez stepped into the spotlight with Erin Golston. Golston, a three-time national team member, was scheduled to wrestle World Silver Medalist Sarah Hildebrandt, but Hildebrandt wasn’t ready to compete for health reasons.

The swap in opponents was abrupt for Erin and unanticipated for Devyn, not to mention that the two had been working out together over the course of their stay in Iowa. “It was definitely a huge mental switch,” Erin said. “Throughout the day I didn’t know if I’d be wrestling or who I’d be wrestling I just knew I had to be ready by 6. I couldn’t focus on the things I couldn’t control.” Erin said she’s thankful that Devyn stepped up, and Devyn said she’s glad her first collegiate match was with the HWC.

Erin said, “Wrestling in front of a Hawkeye crowd was electrifying. They definitely love wrestling out here and it was great to hear them support women’s wrestling.” Before the event, she shared the tweet below and said this one was for little Erin. 

Bout 6: Precious Bell (TMWC) def. Jordan Nelson (Life), 9-0.
Bout 6 highlighted the second women’s match of the evening: precious Bell versus Jordan Nelson. It was nearly a year since the two wrestled at National Duals, and their potential rematch at the NAIA National Invitational was shut down by the pandemic. With Precious graduating from Menlo last spring, the matchup had to happen outside the confines of the college world. Precious controlled the match and defeated Nelson 9-0. Precious said, “It felt welcoming to wrestle in front of a big crowd that loves wrestling.”

Two weeks ago, Precious wrestled at Senior Nationals in the same venue. This Sunday, she said her mentality and mindset were different, and that sentiment was echoed by Coach Black. “Coming for just one match was really nice for Precious to stay focused and zoned in,” he said. “For her, at senior nationals, we learned that we have to keep distractions at a minimum, so this was a good test for that and showed that it’s possible.” Jordan Nelson, a senior at Life, said it was a great experience for her, win or lose.

Iowa has embraced women’s wrestling in the past. They had an entire squad of senior-level women through mid-2020, and Coach Brands said they want to bring women back to campus. “It was great having those two matches,” Brands said. “You get to know people when they’re your guest.” He said, “We take it serious and we want to get the women back on campus.”

This weekend was momentous for women’s wrestling. “We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Coach Brands and staff during this event,” Coach Sword said. “When Iowa speaks, the wrestling world listens. I think in the future we’ll look back and see this event as a marker of things changing in the collegiate wrestling world.”

Main Card Results
Spencer Lee FALL Zach Sanders
Erin Golston FALL Devyn Gomez
Bryce Meredith DEC Austin DeSanto, 11-2
Jaydin Eierman DEC Vladimer Khinchegashvili, 4-1
Pat Lugo DEC Matthew Kolodzik, 7-2
Precious Bell DEC Jordan Nelson, 11-0
James Green DEC Alex Marinelli, 5-4
Tommy Gantt DEC Michael Kemerer, 10-6
Nick Gwiazdowski DEC Tony Cassioppi, 10-0

Transition Wrestling is an independent women’s wrestling news publication.

Subscribe and follow to keep up with the latest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Have a question or want to work with us? Send an email to hello@transitionwrestling.com 

Published by Gabrielle Lord-Klein

Founder & Writer