Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Like father, like daughter: Nelson heads to state wrestling
Josie Nelson heads to state wrestling with a third-place finish at regionals
WINFIELD — Josie Nelson, a Winfield-Mt. Union junior, made history as the first girl wrestler in school history to punch her ticket Saturday and head to state wrestling at the Xtreme Arena in Coralville Feb. 1-2.
Even though this was Josie’s first season wrestling, she took to it like a fish in water. Some of this natural talent may have come from her father and coach Dusty Nelson.
“I’ve never had additional experience before this year,” Josie said. “A big reason why I chose to wrestling this year was because my dad was a wrestling back in high school and I felt that wrestling would fit me better this year rather than basketball.”
Even with making her way to state basketball last year, Josie decided with many of the senior players leaving the basketball team after last season, this was the year to try something new while she had the chance.
“Last year I made it to state basketball with my team and now this year I’ve made it to state wrestling so I’m pretty proud of myself for being able to participate in state activities back-to-back,” she said.
Despite changing sports halfway through her high school career, Josie says she has received a lot of support from the Winfield and Columbus Junction communities and especially from her family.
“My grandma and sister along with my coach, who is also my dad, have been very supportive, as well,” Josie said. “Those are definitely my biggest fans!”
“It's amazing to know that she's the first girl to ever make it to state and girls wrestling for Winfield Mt. Union,” Josie’s grandma said. “I'm so very incredibly proud of her. She works so hard, and to know that her dad helped to get her there is just amazing.”
In addition to making history, Josie is repeating history as she follows in the footsteps of her father.
According to Josie’s grandma and Dusty’s mother Peg Nelson Dusty also wrestled for WMU. In fact, Dusty ran an undefeated season in 2000 as he headed to the state wrestling meet just like his daughter.
Peg was right there cheering, recording, and beaming with pride as Josie on just like she made her way to a third-place finish in the Region 5 tournament in Cedar Rapids in the 140 pound bracket.
“It was a very emotional day knowing that my son had been in that same position 24 years ago and then to see his daughter, my granddaughter, be able to achieve the same thing with her dad as her coach …” Peg said. “I’m a pretty proud mom and grandma.”
As Josie prepares to head to state wrestling, she says her expectations are high and she plans to “leave everything on the mat.”
Outside of wrestling, Josie remained involved in volleyball, track, softball, 4H, FFA, and dance team among many other clubs.
“She is just an amazing young woman on and off the mat, the basketball court, and the track,” Peg said of her granddaughter. “And she is an all-academic honor student.”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
