WOMEN'S
The Missouri Valley College women’s wrestling program is making headlines both nationally and internationally thanks to accomplishments from former student-athletes. Two former Viking women wrestlers are making major impacts on the United States Olympic Wrestling Team, while another is breaking new ground for female head coaches at the collegiate level.
Former Viking individual National champion Jacarra Winchester will compete in Tokyo, Japan at the Summer Olympic Games. Winchester qualified to represent the United States in the 53kg freestyle weight class at the Olympics. Already a world champion at 55kg, Winchester dropped to the lower weight class, and is considered a medal favorite in Tokyo. “It’s very exciting that Jacarra has made the 2020 Olympic Team,” said Missouri Valley College Women’s Wrestling Head Coach Carl Murphree. “I’ve always known Jacarra would reach great heights in wrestling. She is a hard worker and sought out people that would make her a better wrestler, always seeking to improve in all aspects. It’s very satisfying to see all her hard work bring her to this point, and I can’t wait to see what she does on the Olympic stage.” Joining Winchester in Tokyo is another former National champion for the Missouri Valley women’s wrestling team, Clarissa Chun. Chun serves as an assistant coach for the USA Wrestling National Women’s Freestyle Team, but is no stranger to the Summer Olympic Games. Chun represented the United States at two Summer Olympics, placing fifth at the 2008 Games in China, followed by a bronze medal performance at the 2012 Games in London, competing at 48kg. Another former Viking women’s wrestler making headlines is Paulina Biega, who was named the Head Women’s Wrestling Coach for Sacred Heart (N.Y.). Paulina’s hire was notable as she became one of the first female head coaches at the NCAA Division I level. Biega competed for the MVC women’s wrestling program from 2013-2017.
“Being a head coach has been a dream of mine,” said Biega. “I feel extremely blessed for the opportunity and the trust Sacred Heart University has in me. I will do my best to make this program not only successful, but also to promote women’s wrestling at the NCAA level. Coach Murphree took a chance on me (at Missouri Valley), and taught a great amount of wrestling technique, but also provided me with a general knowledge of women’s wrestling. Tiffany Sluik, Mike Machholz and Pat Giangrosso taught me a lot but also inspired and impacted me in a great fashion. I will be forever grateful for my time at MVC.”
12 Missouri Valley College | 2021
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