Two members of Eastern University’s women’s wrestling program earned spots at the 2027 World Team Trials after competing at the Bill Farrell Memorial International in New York City Nov. 6.
Sophomore Savannah Witt finished third in the 55-kilogram weight class, while graduate assistant coach Tiera Jimerson earned second place at 65 kilograms. The tournament brought together collegiate and senior-level wrestlers from across the United States and other countries, allowing Eastern’s athletes to compete against some of the sport’s top competitors.
Witt opened her tournament with a technical fall victory, when the match ends early when one wrestler builds up a specific point lead over their opponent, in the quarterfinals before falling to Karlee Brooks of the University of Iowa, 4-8, in the semifinals. She recovered with two victories, defeating Alisha Paradise Howk, 8-2, in the bronze-medal match.
“The Bill Ferrell was an amazing experience; I got to wrestle other very high-level athletes,” Witt said.
Witt described her final match against a former U.S. Open champion as particularly memorable. Although the tournament is among the most competitive events she participates in, she appreciated the opportunity to face experienced wrestlers.
Jimerson also had a successful tournament, advancing to the 65-kilogram championship match after defeating Zoey Lints, 3-2 and pinning Reyn Bondurant Hickey in the semifinals. She finished second after falling to Lydia Krauss, 2-14, in the final.
For Jimerson, the tournament represented more than another competition. After completing her collegiate wrestling career, she was grateful for the opportunity to return to the mat while continuing to coach Eastern’s athletes.
“Competing at the senior level has been a dream of mine since I started wrestling in high school,” Jimerson said. “Being able to continue that dream means the world to me.”
Jimerson also described how her relationship with the sport has changed since becoming a coach. “I felt less pressure going into this tournament because competing no longer feels like an obligation but a fun thing I get to do sometimes,” Jimerson said. “It’s made me fall in love with the sport of wrestling again.”
Competing alongside her athletes made the experience especially meaningful. Jimerson described creating memories with the wrestlers she coaches as one of the most memorable parts of the tournament.
Eastern’s Zoey Haines and Josey Wehr also competed in the tournament. Haines recorded a pin against South Korea’s Yeyeon Lee in just 58 seconds during the 62-kilogram competition. Their participation gave Eastern additional representation at an event featuring experienced competitors from across the country and internationally.
With their podium finishes, Witt and Jimerson qualified for the 2027 World Team Trials in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both now have another opportunity to compete at the senior level.
For Witt, the qualification gives her another opportunity to challenge herself against experienced wrestlers.
“I am now qualified for World Team Trials, so I get to look forward to competing at a high level like that and training for it,” Witt said.
Jimerson hopes that her experience will also encourage Eastern’s wrestlers to continue pursuing their goals. For her, returning to competition has provided an opportunity to continue doing something she loves while showing her athletes what is possible beyond collegiate wrestling
“This tournament was a stepping stone for the greater things to come in the future,” Jimerson said. “I think it’s important to show the women on our wrestling team that through hard work you can achieve great things.”
