Heidelberg University’s newest athletic team, Women’s Wrestling, is taking to the mat for the first time this fall — and they’re getting some unexpected teammates in their corner.
To celebrate and support the program’s inaugural season, Heidelberg will host a unique fundraising event on Wednesday, Nov. 5, in Seiberling Gymnasium, as part of the men’s and women’s home opener wrestling matches vs. John Carroll University.
The spotlight match of the evening? Wait for it! None other than Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Courtney DeMayo Pugno vs. Vice President for Advancement, Marketing, Alumni, and Community Relations Ashley Helmtetter, squaring off in an exhibition bout for bragging rights and a great cause.
Friends off the mat and colleagues in daily campus life, Courtney and Ashley will set aside their titles this one night. Under the watchful eye of Head Coach CarrieAnn Randolph, both have been training alongside the Women’s Wrestling Team, learning the ropes, perfecting their takedowns, and embracing the sport’s blend of strength, grit, and grace.
But there’s more than ’Berg Pride at stake. The event doubles as a fundraiser, with the campus community invited to “place their bets” on who they think will win. All proceeds from the friendly wagering will go directly to support Heidelberg’s Women’s Wrestling Team.
Wrestling for awareness, inclusion
For CarrieAnn, the match is about much more than laughs and lighthearted competition.
As the leader of a brand-new program, she’s focused on building both a foundation and a fan base for a sport that’s rapidly growing nationwide.
“I wanted to do something that would showcase the spirit of ‘wrestling like a girl,’” she said. “The intent is to grow wrestling fans and teach people about women’s wrestling. It’s new and novel — and women’s freestyle wrestling is different from men’s. I also want to inspire and grow the sport at Heidelberg, and just bring some awareness to it.”
The idea was inspired by a University of Iowa wrestling academy event where women of all ages experienced the sport firsthand. That inclusive, empowering approach struck a chord with CarrieAnn, and now, she’s bringing that same energy to the Heidelberg mat.
Leaders lead by example
For Courtney, saying “yes” to the match is about more than fun. It’s about modeling courage and community.
“There are a whole bunch of reasons I wanted to do this,” she said. “I wanted to help CarrieAnn start a new program from scratch — by helping raise money and generating interest. But I also wanted to show my support for the women on the team, who step into a very traditionally male space and aren’t intimidated at all by that. That’s inspiring to me.”
She added that one message from CarrieAnn stuck with her: “Wrestling is a sport for everybody and every body.”
“That message of inclusion really resonated with me,” Courtney said. “It’s powerful and inspiring.”
Ashley agrees and adds her own dose of humor to the match-up.
“This all started as a conversation about how we could shine a spotlight on our new Women’s Wrestling Team and their incredible coach,” she said. “Unlike some of our long-standing programs, this team is just beginning – without decades of alumni or built-in fans – and we wanted to help them build both awareness and support.”
She added with a laugh, “Coach Randolph says women’s wrestling is for everybody and every body, and what better way to prove that than by throwing two middle-aged, non–spring chickens like Courtney and me onto the mat?
“We hope people come ready to laugh with (or at) us. But more importantly, we hope they show up for our women wrestlers by cheering them on and giving to the program. This is about more than a match; it’s about building a future for a team that deserves to thrive.”
Toward empowerment, a bright future
This event and the visible support from Heidelberg’s campus leaders mean the world to the student-athletes on HU’s first Women’s Wrestling Team. It’s more than just encouragement; it’s a symbol of what happens when women are empowered to lead, compete, and inspire. That’s exactly what drew Head CarrieAnn to the sport in the first place.
“I really wrestle and coach not just for awareness but more so, empowerment,” she said. “That’s how I got hooked on wrestling and what led me into coaching.”
Blessed with great and inspiring coaches in high school and college who believed in her, CarrieAnn is literally carrying the torch for future generations of women’s wrestlers, no matter their age.
One of those future wrestlers may just be 8-year-old Rosie Pugno, who came to a recent practice with her mom. “After seeing her mom wrestle, now Rosie wants to wrestle,” CarrieAnn shared. “So it’s working!”
The trailblazing members of the first HU Women’s Wrestling Team are already starting to understand how empowering the sport can be.\
“I want to be part of a new program and kind of break ground for people,” said first-year wrestler Gianna Tardibuono.
Teammate Rylan Riffle added, “We’re the first ones, so anything we do, everyone’s going to be looking up to us. We’re making the foundation for every girl to come after us.”
And for Audrey Miracle, the sport has already lived up to its name.
“I knew as soon as I stepped on the mat that I loved wrestling,” she said. “It’s made me feel strong and powerful, and it’s given me friendships and so many opportunities.”
With that kind of passion and purpose – and a little help from two fearless vice presidents – Heidelberg’s women’s wrestling team is ready to make its mark.
Event Details
What: Heidelberg Men’s and Women’s Wrestling Home Opener Double Header, plus the VP vs. VP Exhibition Match
When: Wednesday, Nov. 5, beginning at 6 p.m.
Where: Seiberling Gymnasium
Beneficiary: Heidelberg Women’s Wrestling Team
Give a gift to support the Women’s Wrestling Team and choose your champion!
Watch this short video about the exhibition match.