Iowa high school student forfeits match rather than wrestle girl

PHOENIX - An Iowa high school wrestler forfeited his chance at a state title because he refused a match with a girl, CBS Sports reports .

Jamie Northrup, a student at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa, refused to wrestle Cedar Falls freshman Cassy Herkelman in his opening 112-pound match.

Northrup said religious beliefs were behind the decision.

"Wrestling is a combat sport and it can get violent at times,” Northrup said. “As a matter of conscience and my faith, I do not believe that [it] is appropriate for a boy to engage a girl in this manner.”

Northrup was the owner of a 35-4 record and was considered a strong contender for a state title.

Herkelman was one of two girls who qualified for the state tournament, marking the first year in Iowa history that two girls participated in the event.

What do you think? Should boys and girls be wrestling each other, or is it too dangerous? Give your opinions in the comment section below.