Washington has never been known as a powerhouse in Women’s Freestyle wrestling, however this year saw seven Washington wrestlers being named as All-Americans at the National Championships in Fargo, N.D. and Lake Stevens’ own JoMae Alewine was right there leading the way.

Soon to be Viking Senior, Alewine had been preparing herself for this tournament almost her entire life. 

Participating in the sport since elementary school, she has grown up loving wrestling and recently had found the tools to take it to the next level.  For the previous two years she has been on the Lake Stevens Boy’s Varsity squad rolling with some of the best lightweight grapplers in the state. 

She has finished 4th, 4th, and 2nd in the Women’s State Championships over the last three years.  This summer she decided she was going to make her first run on the national scene. 

She practiced with the boy’s national team in Yelm, practiced three times a week with her home team, and ran and ran and ran. 

When the time came for the Women’s National team camp, Alewine was made one of the leaders of the record 19 wrestlers traveling to Fargo. 

“At camp I worked very hard,” Alewine said.  “I perfected a lot of my moves and when I got tired I pushed myself.  I got in the best shape of my life.”

Alewine found success in Fargo.  During the two days of competition for the women, she had a record of 8-3 giving her a fifth place finish as an individual in her 102-lb. weight class.  She also helped lead Washington to a fourth place team finish in the individual tournament and a fifth place finish in the dual tournament.

“My experience in Fargo was amazing,” she said. “It was all awesome from the wrestling, the people, and coaching.  I can’t wait to go back next year to do even better and possibly win a national title”. 

Wrestling in Fargo was a little bittersweet, however, because her brother BJ couldn’t be there to watch.  BJ, a former standout wrestler at Lake Stevens, graduated this year and is now in boot camp for the U.S. Army.

“My brother is my best friend,” Alewine said. “I wish he could have been there to support me”.

Alewine has an open mind going into her final season as a Lake Stevens wrestler.  She plans on wrestling even harder and participating in as many tournaments as possible. 

“I am looking for that top spot on the podium at Mat Classic in 2010.  I know I can do it,” Alewine stated.  “I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have without the support of my family and my great coaches, especially Coach Barnes”.