Buena Vista Open Draws Midwest Teams, Showcases Women's Wrestling Depth

Buena Vista University staged the BVU Open on Dec. 6 at the Lamberti Recreation Center in Storm Lake, assembling strong regional fields in both the women's and men's events. The tournament drew roughly two dozen Midwest teams in the women's divisions and featured bracketed competition across many weight classes, with full results and brackets published on the event feed. Visiting programs produced multiple champions and placewinners, underscoring the depth present at this early season meet.

A notable result came from Augsburg University, where Kelsey Cruz Rojas won the 145 pound title in the women's bracket. “Kelsey Cruz Rojas claimed her first collegiate women's wrestling title at the Buena Vista University Open in Storm Lake.” The University of Dubuque also reported multiple placewinners, including champions at 117 and 160 pounds in its event recap. Those outcomes reflect both the competitive balance among small college programs and the expanding opportunities for women to compete at the collegiate level.

For Buena Vista County, the tournament carried both immediate and longer term significance. The influx of coaches, athletes and supporters provided a modest economic lift to local restaurants and hotels, and the event activated the Lamberti Recreation Center as a regional sports venue. Beyond economics, the meet served local youth and families by presenting visible role models in a sport that promotes physical fitness, discipline, and resilience.

Public health and equity considerations were evident as organizers and coaches emphasized the value of an early season test for athlete development and safety. Competitive meets like this create demand for consistent access to sports medicine, concussion protocols, and athletic training services. Ensuring those supports remain available to smaller programs and community athletes is an equity issue that affects athlete safety and long term participation, especially for women who have historically had fewer competitive opportunities.

As the collegiate wrestling calendar moves forward, the BVU Open offered a snapshot of regional talent and a reminder that community investment in facilities and athlete health yields returns in both community cohesion and youth opportunity.