Junior Keely Kehrli and sophomore Annelise Obermark carved their names into Simpson College history Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7, as they were named the first All-American women’s wrestlers for the program after their dominating performances at the inaugural NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championship. 

Obermark dominated her way to a fifth-place finish, while Kehrli finished close behind, bringing home a seventh-place standing for the Storm. Their performance marks the first All Americans in Simpson women’s wrestling history. 

“I am so extremely excited and proud to be part of something so historic for women’s wrestling. This is a huge step for women’s wrestling and a very special moment,” Kehrli said. “Only the top 180 girls across all divisions of wrestling are here. This competition will only be like this for two years, and then Division III will split off for its own national championship.” 

Kehrli’s path to the podium was very impressive. With an early fall over Lene McCrackin of Simon Fraser University, she was just getting started. She wrestled with great intensity while maintaining her composure, and battled through a tough bracket while also picking up her 20th pin of the season, defeating Noelle Gaffney of Grand Valley State University. 

For Obermark, her path to a fifth-place finish was defined by her determination and discipline on the mat. She started the tournament with back-to-back technical falls, defeating Alexandra Ford 12-1 of Emmanuel University and took down the No. 8-ranked Margaret Buurma of Grand Valley State University, 13-2. 

“What I kept telling myself was, why not me?” Obermark said. “I deserve to be there as much as anybody else.” 

Both Kehrli and Obermark demonstrated resilience on the mat and their achievements will be remembered for a lifetime as they walked off the podium with their heads held high. Their performances this season will provide momentum for the program’s future.