The City girls’ wrestling team is the opening event for a “friendly” match between Team USA and Team Ukraine. Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, many training centers have been shut down. They have decided to come to “Wrestletown, USA” aka Coralville and Iowa City.

“It’s really great that we get to wrestle before such a cool match-up,” said Martha Willard ‘27. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to watch and learn from Team USA and Ukraine’s national team.”

The matches will take place at Xtream Arena in Coralville on December 18, starting at 5:00 p.m. The City High wrestling team will face off against Cedar Rapids Washington in a dual meet. Then, beginning at 6 pm, City will battle against West High’s wrestling team. At 7 pm, the matches begin, featuring Team USA and Ukraine competing. 

“I think our team is wrestling very hard in their matches, and the intensity of practice has increased, which will directly help your performances in matches,” said City High girl’s wrestling Coach Ryan Ahlers.

The USA Team and the Ukraine Team have been in joint training for two weeks with the University of Iowa Women’s Wrestling program, which will end in this “friendly” dual. The Ukraine Team line-up will include 2025 World Champion Alla Belinska, 2025 European Champion Oksana Livach, and 2024 Olympic silver medalist Iryna Koliadenko.

Iowa City and Coralville have been given the nickname “Wrestletown, USA” by Spencer Lee and Austin Desanto’s film, due to their deep-rooted wrestling culture and the numerous big wrestling events hosted in the Iowa City and Coralville areas. 

“I’m looking forward to our team wrestling in an exciting and energetic atmosphere.  We keep focusing on getting better and wrestling in all positions, and this will continue to give us a good look at our improvements,” said Ahlers.

To support the Coralville Community Food Pantry, the admission is one nonperishable food item. Fans are encouraged to bring more to donate.