The Alpine Mountaineer proudly presents a new weekly column on the mountain’s most storied and successful athletic endeavor – Rim wrestling.
This sport has touched the lives of many local boys and girls. Some excelled and some didn’t, but all gained life lessons through the program founded more than 58 years ago at Rim High School by Coach John Beresford.
Since the 33rd Olympiad just came to a successful close in Paris, we should start by honoring the mountain’s first and only Olympian – Marcie Van Dusen – a 2001 graduate of Rim High.
Marcie competed in a time when women’s wrestling was not even a sport, which meant she had to compete against boys of her same weight.
In 2008 at the Beijing games, women’s Olympic Wrestling made its debut and Marcie made history. Although she did not medal, she proudly represented her country and her local mountain community.
She will be inducted into the inaugural Rim High Athletics Hall of Fame class later this month. She and five other coaches and athletes will be honored at the game against Big Bear on Aug. 30. Additional information on Marcie can be found on Wikipedia. Way to go Marcie!
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