Manheim, PA - The National Wrestling Coaches Association in partnership with the Women of Ironman (OH), the Girls Beast of the East (DE), and the Girls Powerade (PA) are proud to announce a brand new and exciting award for the top high school girls in the country, the Women's Triple Crown Championship. This award will be given to any female champion of all three of the following premier tournaments: the Women of Ironman (OH), Girls Beast of the East (DE), and Girls Powerade (PA), during the same year. The award is sponsored by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) and approved by National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
In an effort to capitalize on the explosive growth in girls wrestling nationwide and to help further spread public awareness of the sport and the accomplishments of women wrestlers these groups have decided to pool their reach and influence with this award.
HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS GROWTH
Growth at the high school level continues as 46 states now sponsor a high school championship for girls. According to numbers recently released by the NFHS for the 2024-25 high school season, girls' participation jumped to a new all-time high with over 74,000 girls filling rosters nationwide. This was an impressive 15% growth over the previous season which itself set the record for participation at the time. There were also approximately 1,000 new programs started last season.
THE CHASE
The chase for the Girls Triple Crown Championship Belt begins in mid-December at the Women of Ironman, where each of the 14 winners will advance to Stage Two the following week at the Girls Beast of the East. Champions from both events will then compete at the Girls Powerade, not only for the tournament title but also for the chance to claim the Girls Triple Crown Award. The championship belt will be awarded to each winner at the conclusion of the Girls Powerade, just prior to the New Year.
DATES
Women of Ironman: Dec. 13-14, 2025
Girls Beast of the East: December 18-19, 2025
Girls Powerade: December 27-28, 2025
WEIGHTS
Women of Ironman: 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 155, 170, 190, 235
Girls Beast of the East: 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 155, 170, 190, 235
Girls Powerade: 100, 106, 112, 118, 124, 130, 136, 142, 148, 155, 170, 190, 235
*Note: Athletes do not need to win at the same weight. Anyone who wins a title at each of the three events will earn a Triple Crown Award.
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Pete Zaccari, Ironman Tournaments Chairman
Jenn Bernard, The Women of Ironman Tournament Director
Vic Leonard, Girls Beast of the East Tournament Director
Jeff Stevenson, Delaware Wrestling Alliance
Frank Vulcano, Girls Powerade Tournament Director (Canon-McMillan School District)
Mike Moyer, National Wrestling Coaches Association Executive Director
AWARDS
Each of the Triple Crown winners will receive a championship belt from Pittsburgh Trophy, the official awards provider of the NWCA.
About the Women of Ironman
The Women of Ironman is an invitation only in-season tournament that brings together the toughest and most talented high school female wrestlers from across the country. Built on the legacy of the storied Ironman tradition, this event showcases the strength, skill, and determination that defines girls wrestling at the highest level. 2025 will be the third year for the tournament that is held at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
About the Girls Beast of the East
Girls Beast of the East is a premier nationwide high school tournament presented by Delaware Wrestling Alliance, operators of the Beast of the East since 1993. Now in its 4th year, Girls Beast features the absolute best female wrestlers in the country competing for the coveted Beast title. Held at the University of Delaware's Bob Carpenter Center arena, the event thrills with fourteen mats of excitement and over 600 competitors.
About Girls Powerade
The Girls Powerade is a nationally recognized high school tournament that attracts more than 50 teams from various parts of the country. The 2025 tournament will mark its 3rd year. This event coincides with the esteemed Boys Powerade Tournament, which is currently in its 59th year. The tournament will take place at Canon-McMillan High School located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
About the NWCA
The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a non-profit organization for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling, with primary emphasis on developing coaches who work in academic environments. The three core competencies of the NWCA are: Coaching Development, Student-Athlete Welfare, and the Promotion of Wrestling.
