Incoming Iowa recruits Lilly Luft and Alivia White have been named for the Tricia Saunders Excellence Award for their state. The award is presented by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Luft and White are members of the Iowa Women’s Wrestling Recruiting Class of 2023.
Luft, from Charles City, won the award for Iowa. She has also been named as the Dan Gable Ms. Wrestler of the Year. Luft recently won her third state title and finished her career with a 125-6 record. Luft was 40-0 this season and won a state title at 130 lbs.
White won the award for Washington where she was a three-time state champion for Marysville Pilchuck. She was 33-0 this season with 33 pins and had a career record of 113-2. White competed at the U20 U.S. Nationals last weekend at 76 KG/167 lbs.
From USA Wrestling:
The state winners are evaluated and selected on the basis of three criteria: success and standout performances and sportsmanship in wrestling; review of GPA and class rank, academic honors and distinctions; and participation in activities that demonstrate commitment to character and community.
The award is named for four-time World champion Tricia Saunders who was the first woman from the United States to win a World title and to be inducted as a Distinguished Member into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. She was also inducted into the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to Lilly Luft and Alivia White for receiving this honor.
It is great to be an Iowa Wrestling fan.
Go Hawks!
