Union-GR wrestler Xandra Anderson, top, looks for a way to turn Kendyll Rave of West Delaware during their second-round consolation match at the South Tama Girls Invitational on Nov. 16 in Tama. Anderson eventually pinned Rave in a time of 5 minutes, 45 seconds. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

TAMA – Last Thursday was an exciting night for many girls grapplers as they took to the mats for the first time this season at the 2nd annual STC Girls Invitational in Tama including wrestlers from the newly-combined Union-GR squad.

The two schools entered into a sharing agreement ahead of the 2023-24 season; this year’s combined roster boasts 11 student-athletes. The head coach is Kirk Crawford with assistance from John Simon.

Close to 200 wrestlers from 18 teams took to the Roundhouse’s four mats during the Thursday evening tournament.

Several Union-GR grapplers saw success during the season-opener including Josie Bergmeier who took second place at 135 pounds, Xandra Anderson who took fourth place at 235 pounds, and Jasmine Bassett who took seventh at 110 pounds.

Union’s reigning state champion Jillian ‘Monster’ Worthen did not wrestle at Tama nor did she a few days later in Independence. When contacted by the Sun Courier regarding her status, activities director Michael Bruns said he was not at liberty to comment due to confidentiality issues.

Worthen is expected to make a return to the high school mats sometime this season.

Indee tournament

The following Saturday, Union-GR traveled to their second tournament of the season, competing at the Independence Girls Invitational.

Xandra Anderson placed the highest for the Knights in seventh at 235 pounds, going 4-2 which included a final win by fall over North Scott’s Addison Frere in 3:35.

The team is next set to see action on Nov. 28 in Elkader for the Girls Central Scramble.