Rapid reactions from Iowa high school state wrestling Cla...

Story byThe Des Moines RegisterRapid reactions from Iowa high school state wrestling Class 3A session

Rapid reactions from Iowa high school state wrestling Class 3A sessionEli McKown, Des Moines RegisterThu, February 19, 2026 at 3:11 AM UTC·4 min read

We are officially underway from downtown Des Moines for the 2026 Iowa state high school wrestling tournament.

Wrestlers and coaches have a slightly different schedule than in years past, with only Class 3A competing in the evening on the opening day of the tournament. After the first session on Wednesday evening, quarterfinal matches have been set in Class 3A. The start of competition in Class 2A and 1A begins on Thursday, Feb. 19.

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Here are some rapid reactions and analysis from the start of the IHSAA wrestling tournament.

Iowa City West's Hugo Hughes wrestles Cedar Rapids Xavier's Miguel Astorga during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

Iowa City Liberty's Benjamin Rosen wrestles Ottumwa's Andrew Bedner during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

Iowa City West's Owin Koethe wrestles Waterloo West's Luke Lindaman during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

Iowa City Liberty's Benjamin Rosen wrestles Ottumwa's Andrew Bedner during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

Competition begins on Day 1 of the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament on Feb. 18, 2026, at Casey’s Center in Des Moines.

Clear Creek Amana's Wyatt Iburg wrestles Southeast Polk's Jaxsen Vestal during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

Competition begins on Day 1 of the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament on Feb. 18, 2026, at Casey’s Center in Des Moines.

Clear Creek Amana's Wyatt Iburg wrestles Southeast Polk's Jaxsen Vestal during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

Iowa City West's Owin Koethe wrestles Waterloo West's Luke Lindaman during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

Ottumwa's Efren Huerta wrestles Ames' Braxtyn Brown during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

Iowa City Liberty's Benjamin Rosen wrestles Ottumwa's Andrew Bedner during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

Waterloo West's Luke Lindaman defeats Iowa City West's Owin Koethe during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

Clear Creek Amana's Wyatt Iburg wrestles Southeast Polk's Jaxsen Vestal during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

Iowa City West's Owin Koethe wrestles Waterloo West's Luke Lindaman during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

Ottumwa's Efren Huerta wrestles Ames' Braxtyn Brown during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

Competition begins on Day 1 of the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament on Feb. 18, 2026, at Casey’s Center in Des Moines.1 / 19

See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Iowa City Liberty's Benjamin Rosen wrestles Ottumwa's Andrew Bedner during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Iowa City West's Owin Koethe wrestles Waterloo West's Luke Lindaman during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Iowa City Liberty's Benjamin Rosen wrestles Ottumwa's Andrew Bedner during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Competition begins on Day 1 of the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament on Feb. 18, 2026, at Casey’s Center in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Clear Creek Amana's Wyatt Iburg wrestles Southeast Polk's Jaxsen Vestal during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Competition begins on Day 1 of the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament on Feb. 18, 2026, at Casey’s Center in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Clear Creek Amana's Wyatt Iburg wrestles Southeast Polk's Jaxsen Vestal during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Iowa City West's Owin Koethe wrestles Waterloo West's Luke Lindaman during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Ottumwa's Efren Huerta wrestles Ames' Braxtyn Brown during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Iowa City Liberty's Benjamin Rosen wrestles Ottumwa's Andrew Bedner during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Waterloo West's Luke Lindaman defeats Iowa City West's Owin Koethe during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Clear Creek Amana's Wyatt Iburg wrestles Southeast Polk's Jaxsen Vestal during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Clear Creek Amana's Wyatt Iburg wrestles Southeast Polk's Jaxsen Vestal during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Iowa City West's Owin Koethe wrestles Waterloo West's Luke Lindaman during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Iowa City West's Owin Koethe wrestles Waterloo West's Luke Lindaman during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Ottumwa's Efren Huerta wrestles Ames' Braxtyn Brown during the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament at Casey's Center on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 in Des Moines.

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See our favorite moments from Iowa high school state wrestling Day 1

Competition begins on Day 1 of the 2026 Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament on Feb. 18, 2026, at Casey’s Center in Des Moines.

More: Iowa high school state wrestling tournament live results, updates

Southeast Polk starts hot at Iowa state wrestling tournament

The Rams are out in front after the first session, to no surprise, sending 11 wrestlers to the quarterfinals and having 13 of their 14 state qualifiers still competing. They're already out to 68 team points, 10 more than second-place North Scott.
Leading the way was Amir Newman-Winfrey (106 pounds), Mat Prine (120), Eddie Woody (126), Nash Hanson (132), Nico DeSalvo (138), Wil Oberbroeckling (144), Justis Jesurgoa (150), Dokken Biladeau (165) and Cael Roberts (285). That group of nine reached the quarterfinals while adding bonus points for the team. Those nine wrestlers are responsible for 52.5 team points alone, which would be good enough for fourth place as a team.
On the team's mentality entering the tournament, looking for a third state tournament crown, Oberbroeckling said this: "We're pretty confident. We weren't so sure at the start, but these guys caught along pretty quick (on) what it is supposed to look like out there."

Des Moines-area's top wrestlers thrive in opening rounds

As always in the state's largest class, Des Moines-metro schools came to compete. Of the top 10 schools in the team standings, six of them are from the Des Moines area, including Southeast Polk (first), Indianola (third), Dowling Catholic (fourth), Urbandale (seventh), Waukee Northwest (eighth) and Ankeny (tenth).
Dowling Catholic has seven wrestlers in the quarterfinals, including Cruz Gannon (106), Jack Wallukait (113), Kayden Eller (120), Kyler Simons (138), Airic Conn (144), Jayden Zachary (150) and Brady Hagan (285). Gannon, Wallukait, Eller and Hagan all earned wins by fall and are expected to be the top-point getters for the Maroons.
The always pesky Indianola program had a nice showing as well. Five of its wrestlers are in the quarterfinals, including the Crosson brothers, Cain (113) and Mac (165), who both carry legitimate state title aspirations at their weight.
Waukee Northwest also had a particularly nice showing, sending six of its nine state qualifiers to the quarterfinals. While they sit in eighth, only Southeast Polk and Dowling Catholic have more in the quarterfinals. Of those six, just one is a senior, heavyweight Henry Mohr. The Wolves may not be team state title contenders this time around, but this young program has a lot to be excited about this week and beyond, with wrestlers like Carew Christensen (113) and Hayden Hutt (144) who continue to show potential.

More: Indianola Crosson brothers enjoy first Iowa state wrestling tournament together

1946: Lowell Lange, West Waterloo High's 145-pound state wrestling titleholder, starts Dick Sherwood's shoulders to the canvas in the semifinal round of the Big Seven loop's mat tournament. The East Waterloo grappler was Lange's forty-first victim.

1953: North's Grant Jordan appears to have an advantage over Dale Wayman (with helmet) of Tech Friday as they wrestle in the 129-pound division at the city meet. Jordan won a 10-3 decision.

1958: Lincoln's Larry Lovett gets ready to stick pin on Gary Soldat of North in a city wrestling meet. Lovett ended the 95-pounds bout.

1966: Humboldt 95-pounder Lyle Laird attacks Osage's Steve Funk from the rear. Funk made it out of his predicament to win on a referee's decision in overtime.

1967: Valley of West Des Moines' Mark Elliott (right) and Albia's Greg Gray are all tied up during their 112-pound final, which Elliott won 4-0.

1970: Valley's Joe Corso pins the arms of Urbandale's Kelly Bast behind him. Bast moved up a division to wrestle Corso but lost 5-0.

1970: Mike Ott of Cedar Falls lifts Washington of Cedar Rapids’ Gary Menefee off the mat while trying to prevent an escape during the 165-pound Class AAA championship match at the 1970 state wrestling tournament.

1970: North Tama of Traer’s Steve Reinig wraps one arm around the waist of Audobon’s Clark Root in the 155-pound Class AA clash at the 1970 state wrestling meet.

1971: Carlisle's Steve Moore leaps for joy after winning state Class AA 138-pound title. The referee signaled two points for Moore just as time ran out for 4-2 victory over Dean Ellison of Anamosa. Ankeny won Class AA title.

1971: Defending champion Rod Harp of West Waterloo grabs the leg of Brian Beasmore, Kennedy of Cedar Rapids 126-pounder, on the way to an impressive 11-0 victory in the 1971 State High School Class AAA meet.

1975: Gladbrook's Donn Diercks (top) flips Neola of Tri-Center's Steve Pogge in consolations of State Class A wrestling tournament Saturday at Vet's Auditorium. Diercks claimed third place at 145 pounds by posting 4-1 decision.

1979: Scott Morningstar of Lisbon, top, became the third wrestler to win a fourth state title in 1980. In this 1979 photo from the state tournament, he is competing against Don Bosco of Gilbertville's Ed Fischels. Morningstar finished with a high school record of 115-1-1.

1979: Brian Anderson of Mason City’s Newman is congratulated by fans after posting an overtime decision against Marcus’ Mel Lenox in a Class A match in 1979.

1980: Lisbon's Scott Morningstar is carried off the mat after claiming his fourth state wrestling championship in 1980. He won the 126-pound Class 1-A title with a 4-3 victory against Midland of Wyoming's Tim DeLark.

1982: Wrestling Coach Brad Smith reacts to the match.

1982: Johnston's Cosimo Graham, at 112 pounds, struggles with his opponent to keep him from gaining any advantage.

1982: Creston 98-pounder Lanny Goetz can't get away from Winterset winner Brian Forgy.

1982: Clinton's Steve Knight stands over Ames' Jeff Gibbons after winning 3-A title.

1984: Osage's Mark Schwab is pictured pinning Steve Hamilton of Emmetsburg in the quarterfinals of the state tournament. Schwab became the head coach at North Iowa Area Community College.

1984: Fort Dodge’s Greg Stockdale (top) wrestles Waterloo Columbus’ Greg White in a 145 lbs, Class 3-A match.

1984: Waterloo Easts Johnny Scott (top) works on Newton’s Tom Beeman in a Class 3-A 155-pound match in the state wrestling meet.

1984: Lewis Central’s Mark Morrison has Chick Tillman of Sioux City West in a bad way in a heavyweight match at the state wrestling meet.

1985: Clarksville wrestler Dan Kielman gets a high-five from Coach Ron Peterson after scoring a pin.

1986: Joe Gibbons, right, who wrestled for Waterloo Columbus and Ames, became the fourth athlete to win a fourth state title in 1981. In this photo, he wrestles for Iowa State, with the opponent being Iowa's Kevin Dresser.

1987: Don Bosco's 138-pounder Brian Even raises his arms in victory after pinning Paul Woodruff of College Springs in a match Friday.

1987: Dowling's G.J. Dlothier awaits call in his match against Ames' Craig Randles.

1987: John Gaffney of Forest City struggles to break free.

1988: Greg Meyers of Waterloo West (front) wrestles Doug Knotek of Council Bluffs in a Class 3-A 112 lbs. matchup at the 1988 state wrestling meet.

1989: Robert Edmonds of Roosevelt is upside down as he tries to get away from Valley's Curt Bennethum during the Class 3-A final at 152 pounds.

1989: Eric Ehlen of Belle Plaine tries to pin Matt Matthiesen of Schleswig in the Class 1-A quarterfinals of the 1989 state wrestling meet.

1989: Southeast Polk High School wrestler Jeremy Milani celebrates after winning a match at the state wrestling meet.

1990: Jessie Whitmer, of Eagle Grove (top), rolls Jason Devos of Estherville onto his shoulders in their class 2A 103 lb. match in quarterfinal action at Vet's Auditorium. Whitmer went on to win the match by a pin.

1990: Brian Dostal of Gladbrook Reinbeck sticks his tongue out as he tries to maneuver against Marc Schulze of Rock Valley during a Class 1-A match at 103 pounds during the state wrestling tournament.

1990: Tony Dougherty of Norwalk, left, gasps for air as he is choked by Jeremy Ask of St. Ansgar in a Class 2-A 140 lb. quarterfinal match at the state wrestling meet.

1991: Brent Paulson of Cedar Rapids Kennedy, right reacts to his victory by taking a deep breathe while Dennie Friedrichs of Fort Dodge rests his head on the mat. The victory advanced Paulson to the second round of the 119-pound bracket of the state Class 3-A wrestling tournament.

1991: Matt Hatcher of Cedar Rapids Prairie, bottom, looks at his coaches for advice during a Class 3-A match against Terry Vaughn of Iowa City West during the state wrestling meet.

1992: Jeff McGinness of Iowa City High (top) becomes the ninth wrestler to win a fourth state crown in 1993. He is pictured in wrestling Joe Crum of Cedar Falls.

1992: Chris Coppola of Dowling catches his breath Saturday night after winning the 135-pound title in the Class 3-A wrestling tournament.

1992: Matt Kiger of Audubon walks away after beating Joe Forseen of New London at 9-4 in a first-round match at 130-pounds in Class 1-A.

1992: Washington’s Matt Gonshorowski fights to move North Central’s Chad Venz during their Cass 2-A, 130 lb. championship match at the state wrestling meet.

1993: WDM Valley's Jon Tornberg celebrates after winning semi-final 3A 140 lb. match against Eric Koble of Cedar Falls.

1995: Ogden's Jason Keenan, left, in 1995 became the 10th wrestler to win a fourth Iowa high school state title.

1996: Maquoketa's Eric Juergens, top, beat Davenport Assumptions Mike Corsiglia in the Class 2-A 125-pound final, capturing his fourth state crown.

Eric Juergens, of Maquoketa, has a quiet moment with his coach Jeff Tampir after Juergens defeated Mike Corsiglia of Davenport Assumption in Class 2A 125 lb. championship state wrestling finals at Vet's Auditorium. Juergens won the match and his 4th state title.

Casey Baxa of Lisbon (bottom) is pinned by Matt Van Meter of Guthrie Center in their 130 lb. 1A match at the state wrestling tournament.

Jeremy Hendricks, of Marshalltown (front), gets thrown to mat by Dominique Carter, of Davenport North, in their semi-final Class 3A 112 lb. match at state wrestling at Vet's Auditorium. Hendricks won the match.

Jeff Harrison, of Sloan, Westwood, celebrates his victory, bloody nose and all, over Tyler Grieser, of Ogden, in the Class 1A 119 lb. match at Vet's Auditorium.

Indianola Doug Onstot tries to get away from Cedar Rapids Jefferson Chris Buesing at the 189 lb. Class 3-A semi finals on Friday night.

Jesse Walker of Panorama struggles to stay off the mat in a 1A 135 match against Garrett Kozik of Belle Plaine in the first day of the IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament.

Urbnadale's Mark Hangsleben controls Kyle Bilips, North Scott, early in the match at the 125-pound Class 3-A semi finals.

Urbandale's Max Sauerman struggles under Lewis Central's Brandon Mason in 135-pound semifinal match.

DSM Lincoln's Dan Zepeda has hand raised as champ after defeating Phil Porter, of Linn - Mar, in Class 3A 171- pound match in championship finals.

2002: C.J. Ettelson of Hudson, left, flips over Chad Hutchinson of Mediapolis during their Class 2-A 130-pound final at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in 2002. Ettelson won his third state title.

2002: Mack Reiter of Don Bosco, right, puts the squeeze on Gannon Hjerleid of Wapello in their Class 1-A 112 pound final in 2002. Reiter won his third state title.

2003: Denver cheerleaders and fans rejoice as their lone wrestler in the State Wrestling Tournament, Derrick Mehmen, 189-pounds, celebrates his win in the quarterfinals by hugging his coach Christopher Krueger.

2003: Mack Reiter of Don Bosco wins his fourth state championship. He finished high school with a 182-3 record and 134 pins.

2003: Centerville's T.J. Sebolt, top, wins his first state title as a freshman. He is pictured wrestling against Benton of Van Horne's Matt Ludwick in a Class 2-A 103-pound match at Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

2003: Dylan White of Ogden (front) grimaces as his arm is twisted behind him by Mitch Langreck of Turkey Valley in the Class 1A 215-pound championship match at Vet's Auditorium. Langreck won the championship.

2003: Fans from North Mahaska (New Sharon) cheer Friday at the state wrestling tournament at Vet's Auditorium.

2003: Aaron Conway of Marion celebrates on top of opponent Dustin Finer of Emmetsburg after he wins his 2A quarterfinal match in the state wrestling tournament.

2003: Paul Byers , of Denison - Schleswig (top), puts the squeeze on Jeff Miller, of Sioux City East, in their class 3A 103-pound match at the state wrestling first round action at Vet's Audtiorium.

2004: Prairie Valley's Keith Hefley (top) controls Don Bosco's Nick Weber (bottom) during their Class 1A 130-pound match.

2004: Valley cheerleader Tara DeBartolo cheers on the team at the state wrestling tournament at Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

2005: Daniel LeClere, of North Lynn, Troy Mills (top), works on Klint Kersten of Logan-Magnolia in their 1A 140-pound semifinal match at the state wrestling tournament at Vet's Auditorium. LeClere won the match.

2006: T.J. Sebolt of Centerville in 2006 became the first wrestler to win his fourth state title at Wells Fargo Arena.

2008: N-P coaches Al Frost (left) and Tim Meyer celebrate Johnson's win. 130-pound Colton Wagner, Belle Plaine, wrestled Cody Johnston, Nashua-Plainfield. Johnson won.

2008: Byron Tate, Clinton, won the 215-pound match against Mickey Sprague, Cedar Rapids Prairie City at the Iowa State Wrestling Tournament Class 3A Championship matches at Wells Fargo Arena.

112-pound, Derric Thomas, Mason City Newman Cath, beats Adam Hight Nodaway Valley in the Class 1A championship round of the Iowa State High School Wrestling Tournament at the Wells Fargo Arena.

125-pound Bart Reiter, Don Bosco (top), beats Jason Winkler , South Winneshiek, in the Class 1A championship round of the Iowa State High School Wrestling Tournament at the Wells Fargo Arena.

2009: South Tama's Aaron Davenport (top) controls Western Christian's Jon Grevengoed at 112-pounds during the Class 2A first round of the state wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena.

2009: Centerville's Ethan Moorman (top) and East Marshall's Ryan Valline lock up at 160-pounds during the Class 2A first round of the state wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena.

2009: Ballard's Trent Weatherman closes in on a pin of Denver-Tripoli's Noah Minikus during the Class 2A first round of the state wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena.

2009: Bart Reiter, Don Bosco (Gilbertville), celebrates his fourth state title championship over Cameron Wagner, Belle Plaine, in the Class 1-A wrestling finals.

2010: Jake Marlin (front), Creston/Orient-Macksburg, throws Tanner Schmidt, Charles City. Marlin won.

2011: Southeast Polk's Matt Knipp (left) is in a twisted knot with Trey Lewis, of West Des Moines Valley, in their 152-pound match in Class 3A semifinals action at the state wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena.

2011: (from left) assistant coaches Brian Sheston, Tony Johnson and wrestlers Nathan VanZante, Jae Crosby and Jason Crosby of the Eddyville-Blakesburg wrestling team look over the brackets before the start of the first session at the state wrestling tournament.

2011: Fans wait for the 1A quarter-finals to begin in the 2011 IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament Thursday afternoon. Mary Chind/The Des Moines Register

2011: Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn fan Mike Schiphoff (right), of Sanborn, has his ticket scanned as a crush of Class 1-A fans line up to enter the state wrestling tournament .

2011: Des Moines Roosevelt's John Meeks wins the Class 3A 130-pound championship match at Wells Fargo Arena.

2012: Southeast Polk 126-pound senior Cory Clark has his hand raised in victory after winning his fourth state wrestling title.

2013: Brandon Sorensen of Denver-Tripoli celebrates after beating Zach Muller of West Delaware in the 145-pound final at the Iowa state wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena.

2014: Bettendorf's Paul Glynn celebrates a win over Dowling Catholic's Michael Zachary during the semi-final round of competition for Class 3-A in the 120-pound weight class at the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena.

2014: Cindy and Chris Buchanan cheer after their son, Sioux City East's Calvin Buchanan, defeats Cedar Rapids Jefferson's Josh Allen 7-3 at 182-pounds.

2014: Council Bluffs Lewis Central cheerleaders (from left) Demi Cloyd, Morgan Newman and Shaya Paulsen watch Thursday's first round at Wells Fargo Arena.

2014: North-Hoover's Damonte Clark wrestles Sioux City East's Josh Schambach at 160-pounds. Schambach won a 3-2 decision in the first round of the Class 3-A state wrestling tournament.

Ethan Andersen, of Southeast Polk, celebrates his win over Cordell Eaton, of North Scott, in their 220-pound championship match in Class 3-A finals at the 2014 Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena.

Tristin Westphal of Washington beats Kyler Fisher of Southeast Valley (Gowrie) for the 2A state wrestling championship at 182 pounds Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019.

Fort Dodge's Drake Ayala wins the 113 pound Class 3A championship match against Southeast Polk's Devin Harmison during the Iowa high school state wrestling tournament on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, in Wells Fargo Arena.

West Delaware's Jared Voss looks back at the time in his match against Williamsburg's Nick Marovets in their match at 170 pounds during the 2020 Iowa high school wrestling dual state tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020.

Southeast Polk's Joel Jesuroga tries to break out of the hold of Waverly-Shell Rock's Aiden Riggins in their match at 1323 pounds during the 2020 Iowa high school wrestling dual state tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020.

Don Bosco's Jaiden Moore battles Lisbon's Quincy Happel at 106 pounds during the 2020 Iowa high school wrestling dual state tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020.

Iowa City West junior Hunter Garvin controls Southeast Polk junior Carter Martinson in their Class 3A match at 138 pounds during the 2021 Iowa high school state wrestling tournament on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Lisbon junior Cade Siebrecht celebrates a state tournament win over Underwood senior Beau Klingensmith in their Class 1A match at 126 pounds during the Iowa high school state wrestling tournament finals on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Waverly-Shell Rock's Ryder Block has his hand raised after scoring a decision at 138 pounds during the finals of the Dan Gable Donnybrook high school boys wrestling tournament, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa.

Liberty's Gavin Linsman, right, wrestles Waverly-Shell Rock's Bas Diaz at 145 pounds during the finals of the Dan Gable Donnybrook high school boys wrestling tournament, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa.

Waverly-Shell Rock's Jake Walker, left, wrestles Waukee Northwests's Cael Winter at 285 pounds during the Dan Gable Donnybrook high school boys wrestling tournament, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa.

Ankeny's Ben Hansen, left, wrestles Southeast Polk's Trevor Oberbroeckling at 138 pounds during the Class 3A high school boys state wrestling tournament quarterfinals, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.

Bishop Heelan Catholic's Ethan DeLeon, back, wrestles Roland-Story's Hesston JohnsonÊat 170 pounds during the Class 2A high school boys state wrestling tournament semifinals, Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.

Williamsburg's Gavin Jensen, left, wrestles Glenwood's Vinny Mayberry at 120 pounds during the Class 2A high school boys state wrestling tournament semifinals, Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.

Maddox Nelson of Underwood defeats Ryan Stiles of Earlham during the boys state wrestling tournament on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Jacob Helgeson of Johnston defeats Rigley Koch of Prairie, Cedar Rapids during the boys state wrestling tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Dawson Youngblut of Don Bosco defeats Tanner Arjes of North Butler-Clarksville during the boys state wrestling tournament on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont's Gage Spurgeon wrestles Crestwood Cresco's Carter Schmauss at 126 lbs during the semifinal round of the 2025 Iowa boys state wrestling tournament on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Union LaPorte City's Jace Hedeman wrestles Assumption Davenport's Steele Diercks at 132 lbs during the semifinal round of the 2025 Iowa boys state wrestling tournament on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Assumption Davenport's Steele Diercks wrestles Oskaloosa's Kaiden Parker at 132 lbs during the Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.1 / 105

From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1953: North's Grant Jordan appears to have an advantage over Dale Wayman (with helmet) of Tech Friday as they wrestle in the 129-pound division at the city meet. Jordan won a 10-3 decision.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1958: Lincoln's Larry Lovett gets ready to stick pin on Gary Soldat of North in a city wrestling meet. Lovett ended the 95-pounds bout.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1966: Humboldt 95-pounder Lyle Laird attacks Osage's Steve Funk from the rear. Funk made it out of his predicament to win on a referee's decision in overtime.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1967: Valley of West Des Moines' Mark Elliott (right) and Albia's Greg Gray are all tied up during their 112-pound final, which Elliott won 4-0.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1970: Valley's Joe Corso pins the arms of Urbandale's Kelly Bast behind him. Bast moved up a division to wrestle Corso but lost 5-0.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1970: North Tama of Traer’s Steve Reinig wraps one arm around the waist of Audobon’s Clark Root in the 155-pound Class AA clash at the 1970 state wrestling meet.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1979: Brian Anderson of Mason City’s Newman is congratulated by fans after posting an overtime decision against Marcus’ Mel Lenox in a Class A match in 1979.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1982: Wrestling Coach Brad Smith reacts to the match.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1982: Johnston's Cosimo Graham, at 112 pounds, struggles with his opponent to keep him from gaining any advantage.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1982: Creston 98-pounder Lanny Goetz can't get away from Winterset winner Brian Forgy.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1982: Clinton's Steve Knight stands over Ames' Jeff Gibbons after winning 3-A title.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1984: Osage's Mark Schwab is pictured pinning Steve Hamilton of Emmetsburg in the quarterfinals of the state tournament. Schwab became the head coach at North Iowa Area Community College.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1984: Fort Dodge’s Greg Stockdale (top) wrestles Waterloo Columbus’ Greg White in a 145 lbs, Class 3-A match.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1984: Waterloo Easts Johnny Scott (top) works on Newton’s Tom Beeman in a Class 3-A 155-pound match in the state wrestling meet.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1984: Lewis Central’s Mark Morrison has Chick Tillman of Sioux City West in a bad way in a heavyweight match at the state wrestling meet.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1985: Clarksville wrestler Dan Kielman gets a high-five from Coach Ron Peterson after scoring a pin.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1987: Don Bosco's 138-pounder Brian Even raises his arms in victory after pinning Paul Woodruff of College Springs in a match Friday.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1987: Dowling's G.J. Dlothier awaits call in his match against Ames' Craig Randles.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1987: John Gaffney of Forest City struggles to break free.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1988: Greg Meyers of Waterloo West (front) wrestles Doug Knotek of Council Bluffs in a Class 3-A 112 lbs. matchup at the 1988 state wrestling meet.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1989: Robert Edmonds of Roosevelt is upside down as he tries to get away from Valley's Curt Bennethum during the Class 3-A final at 152 pounds.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1989: Eric Ehlen of Belle Plaine tries to pin Matt Matthiesen of Schleswig in the Class 1-A quarterfinals of the 1989 state wrestling meet.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1989: Southeast Polk High School wrestler Jeremy Milani celebrates after winning a match at the state wrestling meet.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1990: Tony Dougherty of Norwalk, left, gasps for air as he is choked by Jeremy Ask of St. Ansgar in a Class 2-A 140 lb. quarterfinal match at the state wrestling meet.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1991: Matt Hatcher of Cedar Rapids Prairie, bottom, looks at his coaches for advice during a Class 3-A match against Terry Vaughn of Iowa City West during the state wrestling meet.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1992: Jeff McGinness of Iowa City High (top) becomes the ninth wrestler to win a fourth state crown in 1993. He is pictured in wrestling Joe Crum of Cedar Falls.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1992: Chris Coppola of Dowling catches his breath Saturday night after winning the 135-pound title in the Class 3-A wrestling tournament.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1992: Matt Kiger of Audubon walks away after beating Joe Forseen of New London at 9-4 in a first-round match at 130-pounds in Class 1-A.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1992: Washington’s Matt Gonshorowski fights to move North Central’s Chad Venz during their Cass 2-A, 130 lb. championship match at the state wrestling meet.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1993: WDM Valley's Jon Tornberg celebrates after winning semi-final 3A 140 lb. match against Eric Koble of Cedar Falls.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1995: Ogden's Jason Keenan, left, in 1995 became the 10th wrestler to win a fourth Iowa high school state title.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

1996: Maquoketa's Eric Juergens, top, beat Davenport Assumptions Mike Corsiglia in the Class 2-A 125-pound final, capturing his fourth state crown.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

Casey Baxa of Lisbon (bottom) is pinned by Matt Van Meter of Guthrie Center in their 130 lb. 1A match at the state wrestling tournament.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

Jeff Harrison, of Sloan, Westwood, celebrates his victory, bloody nose and all, over Tyler Grieser, of Ogden, in the Class 1A 119 lb. match at Vet's Auditorium.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

Indianola Doug Onstot tries to get away from Cedar Rapids Jefferson Chris Buesing at the 189 lb. Class 3-A semi finals on Friday night.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

Jesse Walker of Panorama struggles to stay off the mat in a 1A 135 match against Garrett Kozik of Belle Plaine in the first day of the IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

Urbnadale's Mark Hangsleben controls Kyle Bilips, North Scott, early in the match at the 125-pound Class 3-A semi finals.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

Urbandale's Max Sauerman struggles under Lewis Central's Brandon Mason in 135-pound semifinal match.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

DSM Lincoln's Dan Zepeda has hand raised as champ after defeating Phil Porter, of Linn - Mar, in Class 3A 171- pound match in championship finals.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2002: C.J. Ettelson of Hudson, left, flips over Chad Hutchinson of Mediapolis during their Class 2-A 130-pound final at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in 2002. Ettelson won his third state title.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2002: Mack Reiter of Don Bosco, right, puts the squeeze on Gannon Hjerleid of Wapello in their Class 1-A 112 pound final in 2002. Reiter won his third state title.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2003: Mack Reiter of Don Bosco wins his fourth state championship. He finished high school with a 182-3 record and 134 pins.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2003: Fans from North Mahaska (New Sharon) cheer Friday at the state wrestling tournament at Vet's Auditorium.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2003: Aaron Conway of Marion celebrates on top of opponent Dustin Finer of Emmetsburg after he wins his 2A quarterfinal match in the state wrestling tournament.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2003: Paul Byers , of Denison - Schleswig (top), puts the squeeze on Jeff Miller, of Sioux City East, in their class 3A 103-pound match at the state wrestling first round action at Vet's Audtiorium.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2004: Prairie Valley's Keith Hefley (top) controls Don Bosco's Nick Weber (bottom) during their Class 1A 130-pound match.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2004: Valley cheerleader Tara DeBartolo cheers on the team at the state wrestling tournament at Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2006: T.J. Sebolt of Centerville in 2006 became the first wrestler to win his fourth state title at Wells Fargo Arena.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2008: N-P coaches Al Frost (left) and Tim Meyer celebrate Johnson's win. 130-pound Colton Wagner, Belle Plaine, wrestled Cody Johnston, Nashua-Plainfield. Johnson won.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2008: Byron Tate, Clinton, won the 215-pound match against Mickey Sprague, Cedar Rapids Prairie City at the Iowa State Wrestling Tournament Class 3A Championship matches at Wells Fargo Arena.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

112-pound, Derric Thomas, Mason City Newman Cath, beats Adam Hight Nodaway Valley in the Class 1A championship round of the Iowa State High School Wrestling Tournament at the Wells Fargo Arena.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

125-pound Bart Reiter, Don Bosco (top), beats Jason Winkler , South Winneshiek, in the Class 1A championship round of the Iowa State High School Wrestling Tournament at the Wells Fargo Arena.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2009: South Tama's Aaron Davenport (top) controls Western Christian's Jon Grevengoed at 112-pounds during the Class 2A first round of the state wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2009: Centerville's Ethan Moorman (top) and East Marshall's Ryan Valline lock up at 160-pounds during the Class 2A first round of the state wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2009: Ballard's Trent Weatherman closes in on a pin of Denver-Tripoli's Noah Minikus during the Class 2A first round of the state wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2009: Bart Reiter, Don Bosco (Gilbertville), celebrates his fourth state title championship over Cameron Wagner, Belle Plaine, in the Class 1-A wrestling finals.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2010: Jake Marlin (front), Creston/Orient-Macksburg, throws Tanner Schmidt, Charles City. Marlin won.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2011: Fans wait for the 1A quarter-finals to begin in the 2011 IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament Thursday afternoon. Mary Chind/The Des Moines Register

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2011: Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn fan Mike Schiphoff (right), of Sanborn, has his ticket scanned as a crush of Class 1-A fans line up to enter the state wrestling tournament .

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2011: Des Moines Roosevelt's John Meeks wins the Class 3A 130-pound championship match at Wells Fargo Arena.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2012: Southeast Polk 126-pound senior Cory Clark has his hand raised in victory after winning his fourth state wrestling title.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2013: Brandon Sorensen of Denver-Tripoli celebrates after beating Zach Muller of West Delaware in the 145-pound final at the Iowa state wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2014: Cindy and Chris Buchanan cheer after their son, Sioux City East's Calvin Buchanan, defeats Cedar Rapids Jefferson's Josh Allen 7-3 at 182-pounds.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2014: Council Bluffs Lewis Central cheerleaders (from left) Demi Cloyd, Morgan Newman and Shaya Paulsen watch Thursday's first round at Wells Fargo Arena.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

2014: North-Hoover's Damonte Clark wrestles Sioux City East's Josh Schambach at 160-pounds. Schambach won a 3-2 decision in the first round of the Class 3-A state wrestling tournament.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

Tristin Westphal of Washington beats Kyler Fisher of Southeast Valley (Gowrie) for the 2A state wrestling championship at 182 pounds Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

Don Bosco's Jaiden Moore battles Lisbon's Quincy Happel at 106 pounds during the 2020 Iowa high school wrestling dual state tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

Maddox Nelson of Underwood defeats Ryan Stiles of Earlham during the boys state wrestling tournament on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

Jacob Helgeson of Johnston defeats Rigley Koch of Prairie, Cedar Rapids during the boys state wrestling tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

Dawson Youngblut of Don Bosco defeats Tanner Arjes of North Butler-Clarksville during the boys state wrestling tournament on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

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From the archives: Iowa high school wrestling through the years

Fort Dodge's Dreshaun Ross has a dominant start to his fourth state title run

Ross left nothing to chance in his first match to reach the quarterfinals. He defeated Bettendorf's Armon Williams in just 56 seconds with a 21-6 technical fall.
Normally, a 56-second technical fall involves a lot of near-fall swipes, but Ross posted seven takedowns in less than a minute. He mixed equal parts speed in counterattacks and strength with big blast-double takedowns to roll to the quarterfinals.
Ross is now 32-0 in his senior season as he seeks his fourth state title. Iowa wrestling fans should enjoy his talent now because if he keeps up that type of pace in all his matches, he'll only have a couple of minutes left of his high school wrestling career.

More: Fort Dodge's Dreshaun Ross eyes fourth Iowa state wrestling title

Class 3A team scores at Iowa boys state wrestling tournament

1st - Southeast Polk (68 points)
2nd - North Scott (58)
3rd - Indianola (55.5)
4th - Dowling Catholic (52)
5th - Bettendorf (42.5)

Full team scores and updated brackets can be found on Flowrestling.com.

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Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa high school state wrestling tournament Day 1 reactions Class 3A

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