Press Release

MISHAWAKA – Penn High School graduate Sarah Hildebrandt is part of a select committee that will oversee the return to practice and competition for the nation’s elite wrestling athletes following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Penn High School graduate Sarah Hildebrandt is shown after her semifinal victory at the Olympic Qualifiers in March. Photo courtesy of Tony Rotundo/Wrestlers are Warriors

USA Wrestling has announced that Hildebrandt — a silver medalist at the 2018 World Championships — will represent athletes on the committee charged with setting safe and practical guidelines for the nation’s Olympic hopefuls to get back into action.

In March, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were rescheduled for July 23-Aug. 8, 2021, due to the world health crisis. At the same time, all competition was suspended.

USA Wrestling has formed four committees to deal with specific issues facing the sport when competition resumes at an unspecified date — a COVID-19 advisory committee, a collegiate wrestling planning committee, a public relations and messaging committee, and Hildebrandt’s return to practice and competition group.

The 2011 Penn graduate, who is expected to represent the US in her weight class at the Olympics, will be joined on the committee by Dr. B.J. Anderson, team physician for Augsburg wrestling; Hope University athletic trainer Tim Koberna; USA Wrestling trainer Corey James; referee Tom Kuisle; and wrestling event directors Randall Balch and Rob Cate.

“USA Wrestling is tremendously grateful and blessed that these talented leaders are willing to step up for wrestling at this time. All have a passion for the sport and a commitment to help guide our organization in its decision-making process. With this assistance, our sport will have the best possible direction to help us get through the current situation and emerge successfully, with a clear vision for the future,” said USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender.