The Wartburg Women’s Wrestling team continued its strong season by capturing its second consecutive American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) championship on Saturday, Jan. 24, at Central College in Pella, Iowa.
The Knights scored 173.5 points to finish first among seven programs, with seven wrestlers earning individual conference titles. The performance reflected Wartburg’s consistency throughout the season and further established the program as one of the top teams in the conference.
Wartburg holds a 10-2 overall record and added a historic achievement earlier this season by winning its first NWCA Division III National Duals championship on Jan. 10 at the UNI-Dome. The title marked a major milestone for the program and highlighted its continued rise on the national stage.
Freshman Kenzie Childers delivered a dominant performance at the A-R-C championship in the 131-pound weight class, earning first place and contributing 21 team points. After receiving a bye, Childers recorded consecutive 10-0 technical falls in the semifinal and championship matches.
Senior Rewa Chababo defended her A-R-C title at 207 pounds and is ranked fourth nationally. She advanced to the final with a 10-0 technical fall over Ella Brown of Buena Vista before securing the championship with a first-period pin against Lucy Read of Loras in 44 seconds.
Preparation and trust have been central to the Knights’ success throughout the season.
“Our goal has always been to go out and perform,” Chababo says. “We were a young team last year with modest expectations, and the way we have competed shows the preparation and trust we have in one another.”
Childers said the team’s approach has remained focused on growth and consistency rather than pressure.
“This season has been about earning every point and building confidence,” Childers says. “There is no pressure to be anything beyond what we have prepared for, and our trust in each other is evident in our results.”
The No. 8 Knights faced another challenge Thursday, Jan. 29, traveling to Naperville, Illinois, to compete against No. 3 North Central College. Wartburg fell 37-8, but the matchup provided valuable experience against a nationally ranked opponent.
“We understand that every opponent is a test, and each match is an opportunity to improve,” Childers says.
Head coach Brady Kyner and assistant coach Gunnar Wolfensperger have emphasized resilience, preparation and team unity throughout the season. Their focus on effort and detailed training has guided the team’s continued development.
“The coaching staff emphasizes effort above outcome,” Childers says. “Coach Kyner pushes us to compete through every position, and Coach Wolfensperger’s analysis allows us to approach each opponent with confidence.”
As the postseason approaches, the Knights remain focused on the work ahead.
“Rankings and past results do not matter once we step on the mat,” Chababo says. “Our preparation and effort will determine how far we advance.”
Wartburg’s postseason began this past weekend at the D3 Invite, where the Knights finished runner-up. They will next compete at the NCAA Regional Championships on Feb. 20-21 in Indianola, Iowa, followed by the NCAA Championships on March 6-7 in Coralville, Iowa.
For more information on Wartburg Women’s Wrestling, visit the Wartburg Athletics website and the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) rankings.
