Linfield sophomore Alice Rickett, who on Feb. 25 claimed a regional championship and qualified for the national finals starting Friday in Iowa, has decided she won't be attending the prestigious meet. Instead, she'll be scrubbing for surgeries in a remote Guatemalan town. 
 
Rickett, who hopes to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing from Linfield and work in healthcare, is in Antigua, Guatemala, from March 1-9 as part of a volunteer surgical team helping local patients through the nonprofit Faith in Practice organization. 
 
"My wrestling career is far from over," Rickett said from Guatemala. "I just couldn't deny this opportunity to do something meaningful, and to advance my academics and career path." 
 
But, she said, it wasn't an easy decision to skip an opportunity to become a college All-American wrestler. She's been wrestling since she was young and dreaming of the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage in the land. 
 
"I am humbled at the opportunity to help and serve the Guatemalans here," Rickett said. "Linfield has taught me to make real connections throughout life. I've been able to help with surgeries and meet and work alongside every type of medical professional." 
 
Rickett went 4-0 at the regional championships on Feb. 25, increasing her winning streak to 14 consecutive matches stretching back to November. She had a very good chance of earning All-America status if she had gone to Iowa, Linfield coach Alyssa Lampe said. But Lampe, a former world medalist herself, said she's proud of the choice Rickett made and to her dedication to helping others improve their lives. 
 
"Alice is a great human being and that shows in the choice she made," said Lampe. "There are things that are more important than wrestling. I know it was a tough decision for her. She still has two years left, and maybe even beyond that after graduation. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for her."