June 29, 2008: The Salt Lake Tribune

Prep of the Year: Workman Pins Down the Honor
by Chhun Sun

Uintah's Candace Workman just wanted to be one of the boys — not knowing one day she would inspire little girls.

Workman was about 8 years old when she began grappling with the boys, in one of the most conservative states in America. She can recount a story or two about wrestlers opting out of matches with her due to their religious belief. But it didn't take long for her to impress people, and win tournaments.

Then her life took a historic turn.

Workman became the first female wrestler to qualify for the high school state tournament two years ago, and finished sixth overall. And in February, she fell one win short of the becoming the second female wrestler in the country to capture a state title against boys. Her impact and influence in 2008 made her the The Tribune's Prep Female Athlete of the Year.

"I still feel like I'm one of the guys," said Workman, who will keep wrestling at 103 pounds for her upcoming senior season. "I also see the significance of what I'm doing and how it's impacting the younger crowd. Initially, I didn't think that I would be doing what I'm doing now.

"It's crazy, but I love it."

At this year's state tournament, there was less media coverage of Workman, as opposed to last year, when cameramen and reporters basically followed her every move. She had prepared for scrutiny by working with a sports psychologist.

The spotlight became brighter when Workman reached the finals against Delta's Chasen Tolbert, who had beaten her twice during the season. Workman already had overcame an obstacle by then, earning a win over North Sanpete's Kolten Cheney, who also had defeated her prior to the semifinal match.

But Workman couldn't stop Tolbert, a confident wrestler who started the final match strong. Workman eventually got pinned, and found herself crying behind the bleachers at the McKay Events Center in Orem.

"You work your whole season - the blood, sweat, tears and everything — and getting that close to your goal and not winning in the finals, it kind of sucks," said Workman after the match. "To be that close, it hurts."

She said she hasn't thought too much about the loss since, as she has learned to block things out. She's already focusing on next season and her future, with expectations of joining Alaska's Michaela Hutchison as the only female wrestlers to win the state title and becoming an Olympian.

During her junior season - in which she finished 36-10 - Workman occasionally had young girls come up to her and say that they've picked wrestling after watching her compete. It happened at in-state tournaments, as well as other places outside of Utah.

Such encounters will continue.

This summer, Workman will participate in about a dozen tournaments across the country, highlighted by nationals in Fargo, N.D. It's also the event in which a bevy of college recruiters will get a good look at one of the most influential wrestlers in Utah history.

On top of all that, Workman has been working out at the Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs, Colo., practicing with such wrestlers as 2004 Athens Games bronze medalist Patricia Miranda.

"I think she's ready for it," said her father, Jason Workman. "I think she's excited for the season, just like we all are. I hope she doesn't get an injury. If she wins, great. If she doesn't, she'll have a good season anyway."

Others Considered

• Jenteal Jackson, Skyline: The senior led the Eagles to their third state title in three years, with most teams putting a lot of focus on the Brigham Young-bound guard. Jackson also was one of the top senior golfers in the state.

• Kealia Ohai, Alta: Just a sophomore, the striker garnered the Gatorade Utah Girls' Soccer Player of the Year. She also guided the Hawks to back-to-back state titles with 30 goals and played for the U.S. national team.

Why Workman?

• Uintah's Candace Workman became the first female wrestler in state history to reach the finals, this one being the 103-pound match of the Class 3A state championships. She lost to Delta's Chasen Tolbert by pin.

• She completed her junior season with a 36-10 record. She will compete in about a dozen national tournaments this summer, while she wrestles with Olympians at the Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs, Colo.