Gonzalez takes second at nationals

Newton wrestler claims runner-up spot for third- straight year
PUBLISHED: Tuesday, April 10, 2007

DETROIT — Darian Gonzalez, 10, of Newton, took second in her weight class at the U.S. Girls’ Wrestling Association National Championships March 30 through April 1 in Detroit.
The tournament drew more than 700 female wrestlers from elementary through collegiate divisions.

Gonzalez competed at 100 pounds. She finished second to Jamie Reif of Racine, Wis.

It was the third-straight year Gonzalez finished second in the tournament.

She competed with Team Kansas, the Kansas Krusaders. Of the 20 wrestlers on the team, 15 earned All-America honors.

The team claimed three national titles — Beth Johnson of Garden City, Morgan Otteson of Mill Valley and Emily Newberry of Columbus.

Along with Gonzalez, Addie Lanning of McPherson took second.

The team was coached by Ed Edison of Wichita. Assistant coaches included Jason Ogden of Burlingame, Anthony Gonzalez of Newton, Brooke Bogren, a two-time collegiate All-American at Missouri Valley College, and coach Anderson of Wichita.

“The girls wrestled great, and represented Kansas well. We couldn’t be more proud of these wresters,” Anthony Gonzalez said.

The team will compete at the Body Bar National Championships April 21 and 22 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.