Hayley Rusher fifth at High School Nationals

By Alan Carman
The Imperial Republican
    Hayley Rusher traveled to Virginia Beach, Virginia, for the High School National Wrestling Tournament held March 27-29. Rusher moved up a weight class from her high school career, wrestling at 152 in Virginia.
    Rusher went 8-2 in the tournament, finishing fifth in her division, which earned her All American status. Each bracket was set-up for 64 wrestlers.
    After winning her opening match in the tournament, Rusher lost a close 5-6 decision to B. Connell of South Carolina, dropping her into the consolation bracket.
    Rusher would avenge her loss to Connell in the consolation round of four, winning a 4-3 decision to advance to the consolation semi finals.
    The only other loss came in the semi final match against A.
Thomas of South Carolina, losing by pin.
    Rusher bounced back in the last match for fifth and sixth, winning a 7-3 decision to take fifth place.
    Congratulations on a job well done.
Individual matches
    Round of 64: Rusher pinned C. Stephens (Wy) 0:44.
    Round of 32: Rusher lost by decision to B. Connell (SC) 5-6.
    Cons. Rd of 32, #2: Rusher won by decision over A. McGinnis (ME) 5-0.
    Cons. Rd of 16 #1: Rusher pinned D. Momeni (MD) 2:12.
    Cons. Rd of 16 #2: Rusher pinned A. Montofar (MS) 2:26.
    Cons. Rd of 8 #1: Rusher pinned K. Ronnau (AE) 0:51.
    Cons. Rd of 8 #2: Rusher won by decision over B. Maynard (KY) 4-2.
    Cons. Rd 4: Rusher won by decision over B. Connell (SC) 4-3.
    Cons. Semi finals: Rusher was pinned by A. Thomas (SC) 0:59.
    Fifth and Sixth place match: Rusher won by decision over C. Schlam (NJ) 7-3 for fifth place.