Ottawa University women’s wrestling program
First Wrestler Signed to New Program
12/19/2013
Ottawa University women’s wrestling program is pleased to announce the first signing in program history with the commitment of Addie Lanning for the 2014-15 season. Lanning is from McPherson, Kan. and attends McPherson High School. She is the daughter of Brian and Mindy Lanning and plans to major in exercise science. Her brother, Zach, is an All-KCAC defensive lineman for the Braves.
As a wrestler, Lanning is a two-time USA Wrestling (USAW) All-American, was named an All-American at the Fargo Nationals in South Dakota, earned a top five ranking for six straight years in the United States Girls Wrestling Association (USGWA), was a five-time USA Wrestling Kansas State Champion, earned Second place at the Body Bar National Championships, and was a Southern Plains Regional Freestyle Champion. As a soccer player at McPherson High School, Lanning also earned two letters and was a Second Team All-Conference selection.
“My freshman year was when I decided if I was going to continue with my career,” said Lanning in an article she wrote as a sophomore. “It was a rude awakening from Middle School Wrestling or Kids’ Club. During the first week there was a practice that Coach Kretzer was in charge of conditioning. I was dying halfway through the session of torture. Coach saw me starting to slow down, and that’s when he yelled, ‘Addie, you signed up for this!’ I remember that moment more than any other in my career so far, because he was the first person to push me and not settle for less from me because I was a girl, and that was a changing moment for me, and I think of it every time I think I’ve settled for less.” (Read Lanning’s entire article, "What is it like to be a girl wrestler? Overcoming Adversities" and then watch her in action)
Ottawa University Head Women’s Wrestling Coach Kevin Andres was impressed with that attitude and Lanning’s notable results since. “I am very excited to have someone of Addie’s caliber as our first-ever signee at Ottawa,” he said. “I look forward to her joining us in the fall and helping us build a strong foundation of winning here.” Andres was recently interviewed about Ottawa University’s new men’s and women’s wrestling programs on Take Down Radio. Listen to the interview.
