Dominique Smalley, sophomore in management, is breaking down barriers in women’s athletics.

Allowing Smalley to join the Iowa State wrestling team was definitely a step in the right direction, but more steps still need to be taken.

Twenty years ago, Smalley’s story would have been big news. Instead of reading in the Daily about how supportive her teammates are, we would likely be reading tale after tale of harassment and disappointment.

Today, Smalley’s accomplishments were almost overlooked. This shows how far we have come.

It’s great that Smalley is practicing with men, especially when you consider how far women have had to go to get to this point.

But it is too bad that more women don’t join her, because she could do so much to help other women wrestlers improve their skills and break down stereotypes.

“I get so much more out of wrestling guys,” she said.

This shows how far we have to go.

Her success at ISU will inspire many women, however. Some day in the near future, more of her female peers will join her on the mat.

Women are already scheduled to wrestle at the 2004 Olympics.

A sense of discomfort still surrounds women wrestlers, however, which is unfortunate.

We can probably all empathize with a man who feels strange wrestling a woman. Most men have been taught to be very careful when touching women for fear their actions will be misinterpreted.

The only reason we feel uncomfortable, however, is because we were conditioned to feel that way — we’re not used to the contact.

Smalley’s past and present coaches, as well as her current teammates, should be commended for encouraging her talent and interest.

They surely endured pressure from fans, wrestlers and wrestlers’ families to deny Smalley the opportunity to compete.

They did the right thing and ignored the complaints.

Smalley’s teammates are willing to stand a little discomfort and give Smalley a chance, and a chance is all she needs.

Smalley has withstood criticism and ignorance since the 7th grade, and even though she may not feel like a pioneer, she has made a large mark in the record book.

Smalley is an accomplished athlete, and we should all be proud to have her on the Iowa State team.