Tomahawk native Alyssa Lampe assured her international wrestling career will continue at least a little longer after she wrapped up a USA team spot at 48 kilograms (105.5 pounds) in team qualifying May 31 in Madison.
As the top-seeded wrestler in the class, Alyssa was able to wait out qualifying rounds and face the survivor. That turned out to be Victoria Anthoy again, and after a 10-6 win by Lampe, Anthony pinned Lampe in 3:54 to force the deciding match.
Lampe prevailed 5-0.
“I was extremely excited,” she said. “I feel like I don’t show a lot of emotion, but I was clapping for myself. I was proud of myself that I came through. I really wanted that (Team USA) spot.
“I feel like I don’t have that much time left to continue with the sport. These last few years I just want to make the team, win my medals, all that good stuff.”
Alyssa had earned that top seed in a 10-0 championship victory over Anthony in the U.S. Open in April, her second straight national title.
Lampe earned another shot at a World Championship, to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in September. She collected a bronze medal the last two years.
Her top competition includes the 2012 Olympic silver medalist from Azerbijian and last year’s world champion from Japan.
“I’m just excited to represent my country again,” Lampe said. “It’s exciting any time you go to a new country.”
Alyssa was the first female to medal in the WIAA state tournament, when she placed a strong second in 2006. She wrestles with the Sunkist Kids and trains in Colorado Springs, Col.