PRINCETON, N.J. -- The opening weekend of Ivy League dual matches served as a historical moment in the scope of intercollegiate wrestling and women’s wrestling.
As a prequel to the Columbia at Princeton wrestling match, both program’s coaching staff teamed up with the DI Women’s Wrestling advocacy group to execute a women’s freestyle exhibition match between Chloe Ayres on behalf of Princeton/NJRTC against Caitlyn Walker on behalf of Columbia/NYCRTC. The match is believed to be the first wrestling match between two women attending Ivy League universities.
Additionally, in coordination with the EIWA conference, there will be four women’s matches at the EIWA tournament between women at member schools on Sunday, March 6.
WHAT THE COACHES HAVE TO SAY…
"I was proud to showcase a women's match prior to our dual meet with Princeton. Caitlyn and Chloe are pioneers, leading Columbia, Princeton, and all other Ivy schools towards what I hope is the sponsorship of Women's Wrestling in the near future. Their efforts will lead to more opportunities and serve as an inspiration to those who will inevitably follow in their footsteps." -Columbia head coach
Zach Tanelli
“It was great hosting the first women’s wrestling match between two students of the Ivy League. As an advocate for women’s wrestling, I am so pleased with the exponential growth of the sport on the youth and high school level and am hopeful there will be more opportunities on the Division 1 level. Considering both women in the match were competitive on the national level in high school, the match showcased the fact that there are women in the Ivy League who have a strong desire to compete in wrestling at highest level. This was another great step forward for the inclusion of women in the sport of wrestling on college campuses.” -Princeton head coach
Chris Ayres