Apodaca first in USGWA age group, second in weight class

By DAVID MORSE
For The Star

The United States Girls' Wrestling Association's Alaska State Championships took on a wider base with more than 30 girls and women from a number of cities and communities taking part in Saturday's event at Chugiak High School, said host coach Deric Glenn.

Melissa Apodoca, a Chugiak High School senior, on top, wrestles Danielle Barney, from Big Lake, in the 143-149 pound weight class during the All Girls State Wrestling Tournament Saturday at Chugiak High. Apodoca won her match against Barney with two consecutive pins. Photo by Joshua Borough

Huffer said the appearance of O'Donnell, who is now retired from the sport, in three exhibition matches was one of the highlights of the day.

Melissa Apodaca and Anna Ward, both members of the Chugiak High School team last fall, also took part, with Ward placing fourth in the 101-107 weight division. Apodaca was first in her age group, 16-18, but second overall in the women's 143-149 division.

Apodaca, who is ranked second nationally for her age, went 2-1 in the tournament with her lone loss to 22-year-old Bethany Murphy of Palmer. Murphy was one of Chugiak High School's assistant coaches last year.

“It was a good way for Melissa to finish out her high school career - she did well,” said Glenn.

The nation's top ranked wrestler at 116 pounds, Michaela Hutchison of Soldotna, won her weight class, with a 3-0 record, but lost to O'Donnell, 4-2, in an exhibition match, reported Huffer. O'Donnell won the 2004 USA Team Trials at 55 kg (121 pounds) before placing third in the Olympic Games in Athens that year.

Among the communities represented in the statewide event were Big Lake, Kotzebue, Soldotna, Wasilla, Nome, Chugiak-Eagle River, Houston, Kodiak, Homer, Bethel, North Pole, Cold Bay and Anchorage.

Reach the reporter at news@alaskastar.com.

This article published in The Alaska Star on Thursday, January 17, 2008.