(Argo Athletics Media Release)
GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association National Championship tournament is just days away, and the University of Providence women’s wrestling team is building some momentum, moving up to number 14 in the latest WCWA Coaches’ Poll. The Lady Argos have been ranked for most of the season, hovering around 17 or 18, but the 14 spot will be highest in program history.
An ascent up the individual poll at 155 for UP junior Tatum Sparks was the main reason for the team’s overall jump. Sparks, a returning WCWA All-American, entered the year ranked 6th and has spent most of the season in 5th.
In UP’s most recent event, the Oregon Classic Tournament on January 13, Sparks faced then 2nd ranked Alyvia Fiske of Simon Fraser. The two wrestlers had met twice earlier in the year, with Sparks winning a 7-3 decision in the Calgary Open, and Fiske winning a 6-2 decision at the Spokane Open.
The third time not only went Spark’s way again but she dominated the match, winning by Fall (1:04).
That win was enough to move the Lady Argos from 5th to 2nd, her highest ranking of the year, and the highest by any Lady Argo in program history.
Sparks will be one of six Lady Argos traveling to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the national tournament on February 9-10. She is the only member of the UP team that will be nationally ranked as the team enters its first ever national championship.
