TFWR Wrestler Of The Week

🌟 TFWR Wrestler of the Week Announcement! 🌟

Tor’Rina Rushing Grits Through Injury to Claim All-American Honors at Fargo

Fargo, ND — In a tournament defined by grit, resilience, and world-class competition, Mosley High School's Tor’Rina Rushing delivered a performance that won’t soon be forgotten. Despite a significant ankle injury early in the tournament, Rushing stormed her way through the consolation bracket at the prestigious USA Wrestling Junior Nationals in Fargo to finish 6th in the nation — earning All-American honors in just her second full season of wrestling.

Rushing, representing Florida, opened her tournament with a bye in Round 1, only to face a daunting challenge in Round 2 — Chaniah Bernier of Maryland, the No. 18-ranked wrestler in the country. Rushing jumped out to a 14-9 lead, but with 2:22 left in the second period, Bernier executed a left outside back trip from a body lock position. The move resulted in Rushing rolling her right ankle awkwardly. Despite visible pain, Rushing gutted out the remainder of the match, ultimately falling 21-14.

With barely enough time for recovery — and before she could even get her ankle taped — Rushing was called up for her first consolation match. Adopting an aggressive strategy to limit mat time, she tore through the bracket with four consecutive wins: two tech falls and two pins in just 4 minutes and 19 seconds combined.

From there, the competition only intensified. In the Consolation Round of 16, she edged out a 16-11 decision over No. 19-ranked Irelynn Laurin of Tennessee. She followed that with another 16-11 win over No. 22 Brynn Shepardson of New York in the Cons. Sub-Quarterfinals.

The blood round — the match that determines All-American status — featured a gritty 14-10 victory over Tennessee’s Sally Johnson. Rushing wasn’t done yet. She advanced again with a dominant tech fall at 2:49 over Michigan’s No. 28 Maddie Hayden in the Sub-Semis.

At that point, Rushing had strung together eight straight victories since her second-round injury, compiling an 8-1 record with six of those wins coming against opponents ranked in the national Top 30.

Her run finally hit a roadblock in the Consolation Semifinals against No. 6-ranked Makayla Vasser of Nebraska, falling 11-1. In the 5th Place Match, she faced yet another ranked opponent — No. 29 Emily Novak from Minnesota. Caught in a compromised position, Rushing was hit with a throw and pinned. Afterward, she was cleared by medical staff and determined to be banged up but okay — a remarkable outcome considering the physical toll of 11 matches in one of the nation's toughest tournaments.

Rushing finished 8-3 overall, placing 6th in the Junior Division and securing her second consecutive trip to Fargo. After qualifying last year in the 16U division, this year marks her debut as a Junior — and her first time earning All-American honors.

What makes the accomplishment even more impressive is the adversity she overcame. Wrestling most of the tournament on a badly sprained ankle, Tor’Rina faced six opponents ranked in the national Top 30, including two in the Top 20 and one in the Top 10.

In just her second full season of wrestling, Tor’Rina Rushing has shown she’s not just tough — she’s a rising star in the national wrestling scene.

Keep an eye on this name. If this is what Rushing can do at less than 100%, the future of women's wrestling in Florida — and possibly the nation — just got a lot more exciting.

I am very proud to announce Ms. Tor'Rina Rushing as this week TFWR Wrsetler of The Week for her gritty performance and determination to compete injured and wrestle her way to All-American honors!  Congratulation Tor'Rina and all of your wrestling family!  Last but not least, congrats to Tor'Rina's coach Jeremiah LaFountain.