Netolicky, Northrup end careers in style
DES MOINES -- Joel Northrup will be remembered as the devout young man who declined to wrestle a girl at the state tournament two years ago, but he also should be remembered as a talented athlete who enjoyed a highly successful high school career.
Northrup placed third at the Class 3A state tournament in 2010, finished fourth in 2012 and capped his career by taking third at 145 pounds again Saturday for the Linn-Mar Lions.
He also qualified for the state wrestling meet in 2011, but that was the year he forfeited to a girl in the first round due to his religious convictions, saying he did not think it proper to engage a female in that manner.
Saddled with a first-round defeat that season, he failed to place in the midst of intense national attention.
"I'm not ashamed of that," he said Saturday. "I'm proud of what I stood up for and I have no regrets on that."
Cedar Rapids Prairie senior Andrew Netolicky also finished his prep wrestling career Saturday as a three-time placewinner when he finished third at 285 pounds.
Last Updated on Sunday, 17 February 2013 03:14
