Beaumont High Wrestler Amanda Hendey Captures First International Medal in Colombia

Beaumont High wrestler Amanda Hendey captured her first international medal last weekend, competing for the U.S. World Team at the Pan-American Championships in Rionegro, Colombia.

Wrestling in the 59 kg/130 lb division, Hendey pinned Sayury Caon of Colombia in her preliminary match, Beaumont High Athletic Director Martin Dusold said.

Hendey then wrestled Amanda Gerhart of Canada in the championship match, losing the two-round match to earn the silver medal in the women’s freestyle competition, Dusold said.

Hendey will continue as a member of the USA Wrestling World Team as she prepares to graduate and attend Oklahoma City University. Hendey will also wrestle for the OCU Stars, current winners of three consecutive National Women's Collegiate Wrestling Association championships.

Competing in the Pan Am Games is considered a big step toward competing in the Olympics. Hendey said last week she is hoping to compete in the 2016 Games in Rio de Janiero.

The Pan Am Games feature national teams from Central, North and South American nations.

Hendey, who won a CIF regional title at Beaumont High in February, has competed in 17 amateur events the last two years. Of those 17 events Hendey has 13 top five finishes – including 7 first place efforts, according to Trackwrestling.com.

At the high school level Hendey is Beaumont High's first state champion, a three-time state finalist, and a three-time CIF champion.