March 18, 2008
TEMPE, Ariz. - Kelsey Campbell, a junior on the Arizona State University wrestling team, won her weight class at the 2008 U.S. Women's College Wrestling National Championships over the weekend at Oklahoma City University. Campbell, who moved through the bracket as the top seed at 59kg (130 pounds) to claim a national title, adds a second crown to her collection after winning the 63kg division last year in the same tournament.
"It felt great to win a second national title," Campbell said of her victory. "My coaches and teammates at Arizona State believe in me, so I think what I realized after my final match was I need to give myself more credit, especially going into the (Olympic) Trials. I plan to win this tournament again next year because I work hard and am pushed by my coaches and teammates to succeed and I know I will be prepared."
Campbell opened the tournament with a first round bye before meeting J'amie Sage of Menlo College in the quarterfinals where the Sun Devils pinned her opponent in 31 seconds. In the semifinals, Campbell faced Samantha Phillips of Oklahoma City University on her home mat and scored a 2-0, 3-0 decision victory to advance to the final. In the championship bout, Campbell faced Nikki Darrow of USOEC/Northern Michigan and again was not scored on, winning 2-0, 4-0.
Five of Campbell's teammates will head to St. Louis this week to compete in the NCAA Wrestling Championships inside the Scottrade Center. Anthony Robles (125), Chris Drouin (141), Patrick Pitsch (165), Brent Chriswell (184) and Jason Trulson (197) all will compete in the competition.
