Blume makes CR wrestling history
By Caroline Rosacker
In Jan. 5 at the varsity wrestling invitational held at Central Community School in Elkader, Michaela Blume, a sophomore at Clayton Ridge High School, made school history.
Blume is the first female wrestler to win a tournament in her weight class in a male-dominated sport.
This year, for the first time, the Iowa State High School Athletic Association is issuing rankings for female wrestlers. On Jan. 10, Blume was ranked fourth in her weight class.
Schools participating in the invitational were Central City, Central Elkader, Decorah, Marion, New Hampton, Oelwein, Postville and Waukon.
Blume competed in her weight class against two other female wrestlers to accomplish her win.
Blume, who participates in cross country and track, became involved in wrestling to stay active in a school sport between the two seasons.
"It was a little different for me, more than the rest of the team. They have seen other female wrestlers from other schools, so it wasn't a big deal," said Blume.
Blume wrestles in the 126 pound, medium to lightweight class. Each class is based on weight and not gender, so wrestling against male wrestlers is common in competition.
Blume stated. "I thought I was going to wrestle against guys that day. I was surprised to see other girls. They separated us by gender, so I competed against two other girls."
Blume shared her favorite pin techniques. "I like to use cradles a lot. It's the one that works the best for me," she said.
Blume's winning pin included holding her opponent's head and making a T with her body to win the match.
Blume has to eat healthy and stay active to maintain her weight class. "I eat lighter on the days I compete to make sure I qualify for competition," commented Blume.
A busy wrestling practice schedule, which includes two mornings a week and every night after school, along with part-time employment as a waitress at the Dam Bar and a dishwasher at Bootleggers, keeps this young woman busy.
Blume's family and Clayton Ridge Schools have cultivated a "can do" attitude in this young trailblazer. This shy, unassuming young woman has set an example, made an impact and paved the way for other female athletes to pursue this sport.