The Washington Post ran a story by Elizabeth Tenety about an accomplished teen wrestler in Cedar Falls, Iowa who refused to compete with a female opponent and forfeited his chances of advancing to the state finals. Joel Northrup from Linn-Mar High School said he had great respect for his opponent, Cassy Herkelman, but “as a matter of conscience any my faith, I do not believe it is appropriate for a boy to engage a girl in this manner.” The Des Moines Register said Joel is a youth pastor’s son at the non-denominational Believers in Faith Church in Marion. Joel added to his statement, “It is unfortunate that I have been placed in a situation not seen in most high school sports in Iowa.” Joel’s father admitted that no Scripture or doctrinal issue specifically addresses this issue, but he said, “It’s a principled decision.”
What do you think? Should Northrup have been placed in this position?
