Women's Wrestling Takes on Their First KCAC Tournament

Photo by: Jocelyne Ayala

Jan. 26, 2018, marks a significant date in the history of Ottawa University, as our women’s wrestling team traveled to its first KCAC tournament. As part of the team, it has been an honor to see this group progress in a sport that society favors toward men.

Randy Hinderliter, who serves as both the women’s and men’s assistant wrestling coach, was happy to reflect on the years that have brought this program together.

“It is bittersweet seeing some of you gals leave, but I like seeing you all succeed, and success is all about the journey,” Hinderliter says.

Hinderliter has not only been a great coach to the OU wrestling program, but the best father figure and biggest fan one could have. “Coaching gives me a purpose, and a reason to get up in the morning. I’ll rest when I retire,” Hinderliter says.

Addie Lanning, Kendra Kherli and Victoria Norris are the first women to go down in the history books as champions and runners-up in their respected weight classes.

At the KCAC tournament, Lannning took home first place in the 143-weight class while also receiving the most outstanding wrestler award.

Kherli, runner-up at the 155-weight class, says, “It was hard to give up the top of that podium, but I wanted to be healthier for the national tournament, so I gave up the spot for my well-being. I have learned so much this year that I wish I had one more to just put it to work even more and prove what I am and have. But overall a good year and hyped for this next and last tournament we have for the year.”

Our final champ, Norris, placed first in her weight class, laying it all out on the mat.

“My head was not all there to begin with,” she says. “But seeing my team on the side cheering for me, brought me back to the moment.”

Photo by: Jocelyne Ayala

The OU women’s wrestling team finished second at the KCAC tournament, making its mark in OU wrestling history.