Alli Ragan Takes Bronze Medal at Junior Worlds in Romania
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BRISTOL, TN (07/29/2011)(readMedia)-- After a phenomenal first season with King College's women's wrestling team, sophomore Alli Ragan has definitely made a name for herself in women's wrestling. Representing the United States at the Junior World Championships in Bucarest, Romania, Ragan defeated Klaudia Pilipczuk of Poland 1-0, 3-0 to take the bronze medal.
The Romanian Wrestling Federation hosted this year's Junior World Championships, sponsored by the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA). Participation in Freestyle, Greco Roman, and Women Wrestling was open to all national wrestling federations associated with FILA. Representatives from 56 countries competed in this year's championship tournament.
Of the 54 countries represented in the women's division of the tournament, the United States tied for 2nd place with Russia, while Japan took 1st and China 4th.
Ragan competed at the 63kg (139 lb) weight class. There were 16 other countries represented in her weight including Russia, Japan, Bulgaria, and China.
"We are so proud of Alli," said Jason Moorman, head coach for women's wrestling at King College. "This is the first World medal for King. Only one person in the country earns the spot to compete for the U.S. at 63kg in the Junior World Championships, and this year it was Alli. She has done a tremendous job representing both our program, King College, and the United States."
Ragan, who hails from Carbondale, Ill., had an outstanding freshman year, finishing 3rd at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) International Open, 2nd at the Women's Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA) Nationals, and 3rd at U.S. Senior Championships. She was also the University Nationals Champion and Body Bar Women's National Champion. Her Body Bar win sealed her spot in the Junior World tournament.
"Alli set a goal to make King College history by adding a Junior World Medal to her list of accomplishments this season," said Moorman. "It is wonderful to see that goal become reality!"
For more information on the 2011 Junior World Championships visit http://www.fila-wrestling.com/bucarest2011/. Visit www.kingtornado.com for additional information on King College athletics.