Gary Abbott/USA Wrestling
Tina George (Colorado Springs, Colo./New York AC) defeated 2004 Olympic silver medalist Tonya Verbeek of Canada in the gold-medal finals at 55 kg/121 lbs. at the Trophe Milone Interational in Naples, Italy on March 12.
George won the match in two straight periods, 1-0, 1-0. At the conclusion of the first period, the athletes went to the clinch, which George won.
George is a two-time World silver medalist at this weight division. She has had a very successful season this season, also winning titles at the Klippan Ladies Open in Sweden, the Dave Schultz Memorial International in Colorado Springs, Colo., the New York Athletic Club Christmas in New York AC and the Sunkist Kids International Open in Tempe, Ariz.
Claiming a silver medal at 51 kg/112.25 pounds was Malinda Ripley (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids), who was defeated in the gold-medal finals by Canada’s Erica Sharp, 4-1, 1-0. Ripley was a 2004 U.S. Nationals champion at this division.
Claiming bronze medals for the United States were Stefanie Shaw (Waterford, Conn./New England Elite) at 67 kg/147.5 lbs. and Ali Bernard, New Ulm, Minn. (Rolling Thunder), at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.
Canada had a strong team effort in this competition, winning five of the seven gold medals. Joining Sharp as individual champions from Canada were Breanne Graham at 59 kg/130 lbs., Viola Yanik at 63 kg/138.75 lbs, Martine Dugrunier at 67 kg/147.5 lbs. and Ohenawa Akuffo at 72 kg/158.5 lbs.
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