ADRIAN, MI (WTVB) – Coldwater’s Zoe Nowicki defeated Blanche `Nina` Kemu Makem of Augsburg University by a 4-0 decision to capture the 2022 National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championship in the 136-pound weight division on Saturday.
“This one means a lot,” said head coach Cliff Cushard. “This tournament featured all NCAA schools, and every year the sport is growing, so the competition becomes that much harder every season. When she won as a sophomore, that was a mix of NCAA, NAIA and some junior colleges, so she had a taste. Now, here she is winning a national championship with all NCAA schools. It’s hard to put all the feelings into words.”
A late reversal in the first period had Nowicki ahead 1-0 after three minutes, followed by a second reversal and a two-point takedown in the next period to clinch the match and the title.
“For me, I am very proud of my athletes,” expressed Cushard. “I am so happy for them. I think of all of them as my daughters, and its that same feeling as if you’d just watched your daughter accomplish something.”
With her victory, Nowicki qualifies for the 2022 World Team Trials Challenge Tournament to be held at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa, May 21-22.
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