2012 STATE WRESTLING NOTES
Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines Thursday, Feb. 16 thru Saturday, February 18
(Note: Athlete win-loss records are those reported following the District Meets)
WHO'S COUNTING? This is Iowa's 92nd high school state wrestling meet - the 87th under the auspices of the Iowa High School Athletic Association, who stabilized eligibility, length of the season, conformed to NFHS rules, and adjusted the tournament format in 1926. Prior to 1926 the Iowa Athletic Council, with the consent the IHSAA, operated tournaments from 1921-25.
FIRST TIME: This year marks the first time that the State Dual Team Tournament precedes the Traditional State Tournament. The Team Duals are on Wednesday and the Traditional Meet returns to a 3-day event for the first time since 2003. The change came about when renovations at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids force a search for a new dual team site. The only site available to hold the attending crowd was Wells Fargo Arena which became available on a Wednesday with the return to a three-day traditional meet.
THE CROWDS: An average of nearly 75,000 fans each of the last eight years has swarmed to the Des Moines for the tournament. Saturday's championship round of 42 matches is expected to be sold out for the 25th straight year, making it the toughest ticket to obtain in Iowa high school sports.
BY THE NUMBERS: The 672 qualifiers blanket Iowa. They hail from 218 programs representing 228 high schools. Eighty-five teams in Class 1-A have at least one qualifier while Class 2-A sports 77 teams and Class 3-A numbers 56.
BACK TO DEFEND: Last year's team champions are expected to have a tussle on their hands to repeat. They defenders are 3-A - Waverly-Shell Rock (152); 2-A - Assumption, Davenport (125.50) and 1-A - Logan-Magnolia (86). All three races are expected to be heavily contested.
OH THE POSSIBILITIES: Waverly-Shell Rock is in search of its sixth title all since winning in 2005. The last four crowns have been consecutive starting in 2008. The Go-Hawks are never to be counted out but their eight qualifiers rank eighth best in the field. Assumption will be trying to go back-to-back for the first time since 1998 and 1999. The Knights will be attempting to win their fifth crown. Second-rated Don Bosco, Gilbertville is usually primed for the traditional tournament and will be shooting for its sixth title in seven years. The Dons have a total of nine team championships (fifth most of all classes). Clarion-Goldfield has one more qualifier than the Dons with nine. The Cowboys have not won a title since they were just Clarion when they took first in 1938, 1947 and 1983. West Delaware has nine qualifiers and is also in the 2A hunt. The Hawks won their only title in 1991. Not to be counted out in Class 2A is Denver-Tripoli, who has six qualifiers. The Titans ha
ve been first or second in each of the last two state tournaments.
BETTENDORF TRYING TO HALT MAC DRAUGHT IN 3A: Bettendorf was third a year ago four points out of first and was runner-up in 2010. The Bulldogs qualified 11 wrestlers sharing the lead with Southeast Polk. The Bulldogs will seek their first title and end the Mississippi Athletic Conference's 25-year absence of winning the Class 3A team throne. Since Clinton took home the gold trophy in 1987, the large school title has been won 10 times by Mississippi Valley Conference schools; five times each by CIML teams and Waverly-Shell Rock; four by Lewis Central, and once by Oskaloosa. Southeast Polk is looking for its first ever team title while heavily qualifying Valley, WDM (10) is also looking for its first. Mason City (10 qualifiers) won back-to-back titles in 1949 and 1950. Always present Iowa City West (9 qualifiers) won in 2006 and 2007 and has an impressive string of 11 consecutive finishes in the top four. Prairie, Cedar Rapids and Linn-Mar bolster the Eastern strength in the
tournament with 9 qualifiers each. Prairie won in 1979 and 1995, while the Lions are another looking to snare its first crown.
LEADING THE QUALIFYING: Following are the top three teams in each class from 2010 and the teams with the most qualifiers in this year's tournament.
3-A - 2010 Top 3: 1) Waverly-Shell Rock 152; 2) Iowa City West 150; 3) Bettendorf 148
Leading Qualifiers: 12 - Southeast Polk; Bettendorf; 10 - Valley , WDM, Mason City; 9 - Prairie, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City West, Linn-Mar; 8 - Epworth Western Dubuque and Waverly-Shell Rock.
2-A - 2010 Top 3: 1) Assumption, Davenport 125.50; 2) Denver-Tripoli 98.50; 3) Ballard 97
Leading Qualifiers: 10 - Assumption, Davenport; 9 - West Delaware; 7 -Creston/Orient-Macksburg, Perry, Solon; 6 - Denver-Tripoli, Charles City, Osage, Mediapolis and Williamsburg
1-A - 2010 Top 3: 1) Logan-Magnolia 86; 2) Don Bosco, Gilbertville 74.50; 3) Alburnett 68
Leading Qualifiers: 9 - Clarion-Goldfield; 8 - Don Bosco, Gilbertville; 7 - Eddyville-Blakesburg ; West Marshall; 6 - Nashua-Plainfield, Alburnett, Underwood, Logan-Magnolia, Maquoketa Valley; 5 - Audubon, Emmetsburg, North-Linn, Troy Mills, Iowa Valley, and Martensdale-St. Marys
FOUR GOSH SAKES: Two athletes will seek to become the newest members of Iowa's most elite prep wrestling club - a four time state champion. On the brink of that elite accomplishment are John Meeks of Des Moines Roosevelt and Cory Clark of Southeast Polk. Meeks, at 138 lbs. is 41-0 this winter and 164-0 for his career. He is seeking to be the first undefeated 3A four-time champion since Jeff McGinness of Iowa City High went 172-0 (1990-93). His current win streak is third best all-time. Clark, 42-1 at 126 lbs., is 175-1 for his career. He had a win streak stopped at 163 in late January at the Winger Invitational in Urbandale by Iowa City West's Jack Hathaway (46-3). Hathaway won the 125 lbs. crown last winter.
THREE-TIME AMIGOS: Six wrestlers could win their third straight title. By class, those seeking to add their name to the list of 74 three-time kings are: Class 2A: Jake Marlin, Creston-Orient-Macksburg junior (47-1 at 138); Dylan Peters, Denver-Tripoli senior (44-0 at 120); Brandon Sorenson, Denver-Tripoli junior (45-1 at 132); and Class 1A: Robert Walker, Martensdale-St. Marys senior (26-0 at 145); Jordan Bremer, Woodbury Central, Moville senior (43-1 at 113); and Tyler Shulista, Alburnett senior (42-1 at 126)
SEEKING SECOND TITLE: Sixteen athletes will target securing their second Iowa gold medal this weekend. By class they are as follow. 1-A (2): Logan Mulnix, North-Linn senior (41-0 at 138); Loren Williams, Tri-Center junior (48-0 at 152); 2-A (4): Sawyer Farris, New London senior (42-0 at 120); Kane Seeley, Perry senior (44-1 at 220); Doug Miner, Spirit Lake Park junior (42-0 at 106); Topher Carton, Assumption, Davenport senior (46-1 at 132); 3-A (10): Tyler Willers, Pleasant Valley senior (47-2 at 120); Eric DeVos, Waverly-Shell Rock senior (41-3 at 126); Zach Witte, Prairie, Cedar Rapids senior (19-0 at 152); Colby Knight, Urbandale junior (29-11 at 120); Brian Warren, Des Moines North-Hoover senior (34-3 at 145); Phillip Laux, Iowa City West senior (46-3 at 113); Jack Hathaway, Iowa City West senior (46-3 at 126); Dakota Bauer, Iowa City West senior (48-2 at 132); Ross Larson, Ankeny senior (37-0 at 195); and Willie Miklus, Southeast Polk senior (43-0 at 220).
SEEKING PERFECTION: Thirty-one wrestlers will start the tournament undefeated in their weight division. Class 1-A (15): David Walker, Martensdale-St. Marys senior, 48-0 at 132; Robert Walker, Martensdale-St. Marys senior, 26-0 at 145; Andrew Wellick, Emmetsburg junior, 14-0 at 170; Tanner Taylor, Okoboji, Milford senior 39-0 at 182; Aaron Anderson, Clarion-Goldfield senior, 34-0 at 120; Sam Solis, Clarion-Goldfield senior, 36-0 at 138; Zac Schleuger, West Hancock, Britt senior 42-0 at 195; Chris Schleuger, West Hancock, Britt junior, 46-0 at 285; Hunter Washburn, Alburnett freshman, 42-0 at 106; Logan Mulnix, North-Linn, Troy Mills senior, 41-0 at 138; Brendan Schott , North-Linn junior, 42-0 at 170; Ryan Parmley, Maquoketa Valley, Delhi freshman, 46-0 at 195; Tait Simpson, Lisbon senior, 27-0 at 152; Loren Williams, Tri-Center, Neola junior, 48-0 at 152; Marco Naughton, St. Albert, Council Bluffs senior, 33-0 at 285. Class 2A (10): Darrian Schwenke, Atlantic sophomore, 33
-0 at 106; Jared Eischeid, Kuemper Catholic, Carroll sophomore, 39-0 at 113; Seth Esais, Red Oak senior, 46-0 at 182; Colten Riley, South Central Calhoun senior, 53-0 at 195; Doug Miner, Spirit Lake Park junior, 42-0 at 106; Adam Drain, Mediapolis sophomore, 47-0 at 160; Cody Fritz, Solon senior, 43-0 at 152; Dylan Peters, Denver-Tripoli senior, 44-0 at 120; Adam Reth, West Delaware junior, 40-0 at 195; and Dalton Kingery, PCM, Monroe senior, 36-0 at 126. Class 3A (6): Zach Witte, Prairie, Cedar Rapids senior, 19-0 at 152; John Meeks, Des Moines Roosevelt senior, 41-0 at 138; Gabriel Moreno, Urbandale senior, 37-0 at 145; Jared Bartel, Mason City senior, 45-0 at 182; Ross Larson, Ankeny senior, 37-0 at 195; and Willie Miklus, Southeast Polk senior (43-0 at 220).
OH BROTHER: At least seven sets of brothers have qualified this year including two sets that are undefeated. Class 1A (4): Robert (26-0 at 145) and David Walker (48-0 at 132) of Martensdale-St. Marys; and West Hancock's Zac (42-0 at 195) and Chris Schleuger (46-0 at 285) are the unbeaten siblings. Also qualified are West Hancock's Ryder (32-4 at 170) and Gunnar Clark (37-1 at 182); Dalton (26-3 at 170) and Caleb (32-4 at 195) Ciavarelli from Clarksville; Class 2A (1): Sam (21-6 at 160) and Noah Pickard (35-1 at 195) of North Polk; Class 3A (2): Travis (46-2 at 106) and Tyler Willers (47-2 at 120) of Pleasant Valley; Tim (38-5 at 160) and Willie Miklus (43-0 at 220) of Southeast Polk
HEY GIRL: Eddyville-Blakesburg's Megan Black a junior at 106 lbs. enters the tourney at 9-1 and as the first girl ever to win a District title. She qualified as a 112 runner-up in Class 3A last winter at Ottumwa, but transferred to the Rockets. She sat out the 90 day eligibility transfer and then missed several matches due to injuries. Her first round opponent is against Jacob Schmit of Don Bosco, Gilbertville, a senior with a 29-18 record. Over 30 females wrestled in Iowa high school programs each of the last two years. Iowa girls have participated on high school programs since 1972. State rules allow female students to participate in a boys sport when their school does not offer a comparable sport.
GRAND MARCH ESCORTS:
With a state renown for a reverence of achievement in wrestling, this year's 42nd annual Grand March has a 50-year tie to a rare achievement - that being a four time state champion. That accomplishment always gets a rousing standing ovation from the best high school wrestling fans anywhere.
In 1962 Britt's Bob Steenlage blazed a path no other wrestler in Iowa preps had done - being a four time state champion and creating Iowa's most exclusive prep wrestling club. Over 400,000 wrestlers in 42 years preceded Steenlage and it would take another 17 years before Iowa would crown another four-time champion. Going into this year's tournament 18 young men have followed Steenlage in this remarkable achievement. Two more could attain that elite status this season. That would make a total of 21 out of nearly three-quarters of a million wrestlers who have donned a singlet and headgear since 1921.
The title of four time Iowa State Champion is worthy of a special observance and this year's tournament is a celebration of Steenlage's historic achievement 50 years ago. As a result the IHSAA wanted him to lead this year's Grand March, but he had to decline due to a personal commitment. Undaunted, the Athletic Association and Steenlage appealed to his younger brother Les to stand in for him. The elder Steenlage will be in attendance at the tournament through Friday and will be introduced to the fans prior to the start of the 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Friday sessions. Les will be the Grand March Escort for his brother prior to the championship matches on Saturday.
Following is a brief biography of each.
BOB STEENLAGE: He led the tradition rich Eagles to state-wide acclaim during his title years as the Eagles cornered a fourth (1959), a runner-up (1960) and back-to-back team titles in 1961 and 1962. Known for his impeccable technique, he also exhibited the mental discipline that allowed him to prevail. He won his first title with a 2-1 decision, and followed with gold medal performances of 4-0, 2-0, and 3-2 on riding time while shrugging off a shoulder injury. The accomplishment of winning four titles which seemingly was impossible had been snapped and freed thousands to pursue it. Following high school, he was appointed to the United States Military Academy where he earned his undergraduate degree, while becoming a three-time NCAA qualifier and a Division I All-American. He later served the United States in Vietnam and won a Bronze Star and during his life's work in teaching, sales and motivational speaking, he has lived the values of "Duty-Honor-Country," each rooted i
n a faith in family and Our Creator. Now living in Wisconsin he speaks to several groups around the country with the messages of "Attitude and Gratitude" and "Never, Never Giving Up."
LES STEENLAGE: His fourth place effort as a senior helped secure a 1966 runner-up finish for the Eagles. He then sandwiched three years of military service, including Vietnam, around wrestling collegiately at Mankato State (MN) and the University of Iowa, graduating in 1974. He was a graduate assistant on the 1975 Hawkeyes' National Championship team and later started the Parks and Recreation Department at Eagle Grove before returning to Iowa in 1977 as Assistant Director of Athletics. He is currently the Championships Director at the University and has coordinated nearly 60 championship events in 12 different sports with 32 championships in wrestling. He has directed more NCAA championship events than any of his peers. He has a national reputation as being the top collegiate director of wrestling championships including four NCAA meets, two NWCA National Duals, and two USA Olympic Team Trials.
NEW WRESTLING HALL OF FAME MEMBERS:
Six new members of the IHSAA Wrestling Hall of Fame will be inducted Saturday night during the Awards Ceremony. A sketch of each follows.
GENE DOYLE: A 1958 Toledo graduate he earned his degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1962 and embarked on a half century teaching and coaching career. A four year stop at Keota was followed by eight years at Dubuque Senior, before arriving at Cedar Falls in 1974. He was an assistant coach for hall-of-fame mentor Keith Young before taking over the head coaching reins in 1985 before retiring as head coach in 2000. He authored an impressive 242-51 dual meet career slate, with his teams winning the traditional State Championship in 1993, 1997 and 1998, while posting six top five finishes. He coached 43 state meet medal winners including 10 champions. His 1993 club also won the State Dual Team championship after taking third in 1992. He also added a runner-up finish in 1995 and a fourth place finish in 1998. He was named State Coach-of-the-Year twice. He was a 1998 nominee for National Coach of the Year and is a member of the NWCA Hall of Fame. He is also a registe
red official. In addition he has been an assistant coach in the Tigers' track program and continues to be a varsity assistant in football.
BOB DYER: A 1967 graduate of Glenwood, he was on the first Rams mat teams. After earning his B.S. degree from Northwest Missouri State University in 1971, he started at Dallas Center-Grimes. After three seasons and a two year stint as head wrestling coach, he returned to his alma mater. He spent two seasons as an assistant and followed with a sterling 30-year career as head coach. His teams posted a 321-74-5 dual meet record winning the Traditional State Tournament title in 1989 and posting second place finishes in 1992 and 1998. He coached 152 state qualifiers with 76 earning medal status, among them his sons Jeff and Matt. Thirteen of his wrestlers won state championships and 12 more were runner-up. Twelve times his teams had top ten finishes at the State Tournament. Some of his wrestlers earned All-America recognition at the NCAA Division I and III and also NAIA and NJCAA competitions. He also coached Glenwood into the State Team Duals six times with third place finis
hes in 1989, 1998, 2004 and 2005. A multiple State Coach-of-the-Year, he is a member of three Halls of Fame including the National Wrestling Coaches Association. In 2006 he retired at Glenwood and currently serves as an assistant coach at Simpson College.
JEFF KELLY: A three time state qualifier and a two-time State Champion for Britt, he wrestled for hall-of-fame coach Al DeLeon. In an era of limited dual meets, he finished his career with a record of 100-15. His state titles came in two different divisions winning the Class AA 145 lbs. title in 1984 and repeating in 1985 in Class A at 155 lbs., thus setting the family standard for younger brother Patrick. He was a collective 58-3 in his title years. He went on to be a junior national Greco-Roman All-American before becoming a four year letter winner at Iowa State and a 1988 NCAA Tournament qualifier for Coach Jim Gibbons. He earned his BS degree from Iowa State in 1990. He is currently the Student Services Director at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny. He and his wife Sara make their home in Urbandale.
PAT KELLY: At Britt he authored a career record of 132-6 as a four time State Meet qualifier. He earned a third place finish in 1986 at 167 lbs. and back-to-back unbeaten gold medals at Heavyweight in Class A in 1987 and 1988. He also helped the Coach Al Deleon's Eagles to third in the 1987 State Dual Team Tournament, ending his career with 76 straight wins. A Junior National Freestyle All American, he was also named first team All-American. At the University of Iowa he was a part-time starter and a member of their Big 10 and NCAA Championship squads. He won the silver medal in the US Olympic Sports Festival and finished his collegiate career at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he was twice a NCAA Division II All-American with third place finishes in the nationals. He was named the North Central Conference's Outstanding Wrestler as a senior. After coaching junior high, high school and club wrestling in Iowa and Kansas he currently is the head coach at Seaman High Sc
hool in Topeka, KS.
JOSH BUDKE: Wrestling for fellow hall-of-fame member Gene Doyle, he was a four-time qualifier and medal performer while winning three consecutive state titles. He posted a 155-11 career record and was 120-4 in his championship years - 1995 (103), 1996 (112) and 1997 (125). His three titles made him the second wrestler for Cedar Falls to reach that plateau and the first in 30 years. His senior season brought special achievements. Not only did he claim a third crown, but the Tigers topped the Class 3A field for the traditional State Tournament crown, he was named the Iowa winner of the prestigious Dave Schultz High School Award for Excellence and a member of the USA Dream Team. He did his college work at the University of Iowa where he was a letter winner and was a member of the Hawkeyes' 2000 NCAA Championship squad. He was also a three-time All-Academic Big Ten Conference athlete. Since graduating in 2003 he is a partner in the employee benefits division for True North Com
panies in Cedar Rapids. He is currently a volunteer assistant coach at Cedar Rapids Washington.
CLIFF MOORE: With a career prep mark of 137-2 and 109 straight triumphs, he was a four time state finalist and Dubuque Hempstead's only three time state champion. In 1996 he went 30-2 to finish second at 103 lbs. setting the stage for a three year undefeated stretch. He was 37-0 in winning the 112 lbs. title in 1997; 35-0 in 1998 when he took the 119 lbs. crown and 37-0 again in 1999 when he wore gold at 125 lbs. for Coach Dan Dunham. At the University of Iowa he was a three time All American with a 109-24 mark. Twice he was sixth in the NCAA Tournament at 133 lbs. before winning a national title at 141 lbs. as a senior in 2004. He was 33-2 that season and was named the school's most valuable wrestler. He was an Academic All American in 2003 before completing his undergraduate work in Marketing. He was also the Big 10 Champion in 2003 and 2004. A member of the 2006 National Freestyle Team, he was third in the World Team trials. After two years as an assistant at Iowa, h
e joined the Edinboro University (Edinboro, PA) staff as an assistant in 2006.
OFFICIALS' HALL OF FAME:
Two veteran mat officials, Mike Braden of Oskaloosa and Bob Algoe from Anamosa, enter the IHSAA Officials' Hall of Fame this winter. They are recently retired and collectively they officiated wrestling 72 years with 47 years in the traditional State Tournament, including 45 championship round appearances. Profiles of them follow:
DALE ACHESON: A 1978 graduate of Wayne Community High School, Corydon, he was active in wrestling and track and field. His interest in wrestling was also sparked by following the careers of his older brothers. After graduating he began officiating in 1980 to continue his interest in the sport. This year marks his 32nd year on the whistle. He has steadily progressed and has worked sectional and district meets since 1986. He is appearing in his 22nd State Tournament and his 20th year in the championship round. In addition he has also worked the State Team Dual Tournament three times. He is employed by the City of Urbandale, where he and his family reside.
BOB MURPHY: A state medal winner as a senior, he graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1970. He attended Loras College where he was a place winner in the 1970 NAIA Nationals as a senior. Following his degree, he coached five years at Loras including one season as head coach before moving on to Wahlert, Dubuque as a teacher and head coach from 1979-1986. He also earned his Masters' Degree in Administration. He served Plainfield for two years in administration and in 1988 accepted his current position as Assistant Principal/Activities Director at West Delaware High School. He began officiating as a college sophomore and 40 years later he still works meets from little kids through college. For 25 years he has worked sectional and district meets and this year is his 20th state meet and championship round. He has also worked 14 State Team Dual Meets.
IHSAA NEWS MEDIA AWARD:
JOHN GORMAN, Winterset Madisonian: A 1943 Winterset graduate, Mr. Gorman served the United States in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Upon returning he graduated from the University of Iowa School of Journalism in 1949. For two years he was a reporter at the Independence Bulletin-Journal. In 1951 he became the third generation of the family to be associated with The Madisonian. In 1965 he became the editor and publisher until his retirement in 1989, ending a 40-year journalism career. The newspaper was assumed by his son and current publisher Ted Gorman. The success of Winterset and area schools in wrestling and other activities have been highlighted for over 50 years in Madisonian stories and pictures. He passed away in February 1994. He and his wife Ruth (also deceased) raised three daughters (Pat Gorman Richards, Jane Gorman Wooldridge, and Carol Gorman) and a son, Ted.
ADDITIONAL AWARDS: The special Awards Ceremonies that begins at 5:45 p.m., Saturday will also feature the Iowa Wrestling Officials and Coaches Association's coaches-of-the-year, official-of- the-year,
Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines Thursday, Feb. 16 thru Saturday, February 18
(Note: Athlete win-loss records are those reported following the District Meets)
WHO'S COUNTING? This is Iowa's 92nd high school state wrestling meet - the 87th under the auspices of the Iowa High School Athletic Association, who stabilized eligibility, length of the season, conformed to NFHS rules, and adjusted the tournament format in 1926. Prior to 1926 the Iowa Athletic Council, with the consent the IHSAA, operated tournaments from 1921-25.
FIRST TIME: This year marks the first time that the State Dual Team Tournament precedes the Traditional State Tournament. The Team Duals are on Wednesday and the Traditional Meet returns to a 3-day event for the first time since 2003. The change came about when renovations at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids force a search for a new dual team site. The only site available to hold the attending crowd was Wells Fargo Arena which became available on a Wednesday with the return to a three-day traditional meet.
THE CROWDS: An average of nearly 75,000 fans each of the last eight years has swarmed to the Des Moines for the tournament. Saturday's championship round of 42 matches is expected to be sold out for the 25th straight year, making it the toughest ticket to obtain in Iowa high school sports.
BY THE NUMBERS: The 672 qualifiers blanket Iowa. They hail from 218 programs representing 228 high schools. Eighty-five teams in Class 1-A have at least one qualifier while Class 2-A sports 77 teams and Class 3-A numbers 56.
BACK TO DEFEND: Last year's team champions are expected to have a tussle on their hands to repeat. They defenders are 3-A - Waverly-Shell Rock (152); 2-A - Assumption, Davenport (125.50) and 1-A - Logan-Magnolia (86). All three races are expected to be heavily contested.
OH THE POSSIBILITIES: Waverly-Shell Rock is in search of its sixth title all since winning in 2005. The last four crowns have been consecutive starting in 2008. The Go-Hawks are never to be counted out but their eight qualifiers rank eighth best in the field. Assumption will be trying to go back-to-back for the first time since 1998 and 1999. The Knights will be attempting to win their fifth crown. Second-rated Don Bosco, Gilbertville is usually primed for the traditional tournament and will be shooting for its sixth title in seven years. The Dons have a total of nine team championships (fifth most of all classes). Clarion-Goldfield has one more qualifier than the Dons with nine. The Cowboys have not won a title since they were just Clarion when they took first in 1938, 1947 and 1983. West Delaware has nine qualifiers and is also in the 2A hunt. The Hawks won their only title in 1991. Not to be counted out in Class 2A is Denver-Tripoli, who has six qualifiers. The Titans ha
ve been first or second in each of the last two state tournaments.
BETTENDORF TRYING TO HALT MAC DRAUGHT IN 3A: Bettendorf was third a year ago four points out of first and was runner-up in 2010. The Bulldogs qualified 11 wrestlers sharing the lead with Southeast Polk. The Bulldogs will seek their first title and end the Mississippi Athletic Conference's 25-year absence of winning the Class 3A team throne. Since Clinton took home the gold trophy in 1987, the large school title has been won 10 times by Mississippi Valley Conference schools; five times each by CIML teams and Waverly-Shell Rock; four by Lewis Central, and once by Oskaloosa. Southeast Polk is looking for its first ever team title while heavily qualifying Valley, WDM (10) is also looking for its first. Mason City (10 qualifiers) won back-to-back titles in 1949 and 1950. Always present Iowa City West (9 qualifiers) won in 2006 and 2007 and has an impressive string of 11 consecutive finishes in the top four. Prairie, Cedar Rapids and Linn-Mar bolster the Eastern strength in the
tournament with 9 qualifiers each. Prairie won in 1979 and 1995, while the Lions are another looking to snare its first crown.
LEADING THE QUALIFYING: Following are the top three teams in each class from 2010 and the teams with the most qualifiers in this year's tournament.
3-A - 2010 Top 3: 1) Waverly-Shell Rock 152; 2) Iowa City West 150; 3) Bettendorf 148
Leading Qualifiers: 12 - Southeast Polk; Bettendorf; 10 - Valley , WDM, Mason City; 9 - Prairie, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City West, Linn-Mar; 8 - Epworth Western Dubuque and Waverly-Shell Rock.
2-A - 2010 Top 3: 1) Assumption, Davenport 125.50; 2) Denver-Tripoli 98.50; 3) Ballard 97
Leading Qualifiers: 10 - Assumption, Davenport; 9 - West Delaware; 7 -Creston/Orient-Macksburg, Perry, Solon; 6 - Denver-Tripoli, Charles City, Osage, Mediapolis and Williamsburg
1-A - 2010 Top 3: 1) Logan-Magnolia 86; 2) Don Bosco, Gilbertville 74.50; 3) Alburnett 68
Leading Qualifiers: 9 - Clarion-Goldfield; 8 - Don Bosco, Gilbertville; 7 - Eddyville-Blakesburg ; West Marshall; 6 - Nashua-Plainfield, Alburnett, Underwood, Logan-Magnolia, Maquoketa Valley; 5 - Audubon, Emmetsburg, North-Linn, Troy Mills, Iowa Valley, and Martensdale-St. Marys
FOUR GOSH SAKES: Two athletes will seek to become the newest members of Iowa's most elite prep wrestling club - a four time state champion. On the brink of that elite accomplishment are John Meeks of Des Moines Roosevelt and Cory Clark of Southeast Polk. Meeks, at 138 lbs. is 41-0 this winter and 164-0 for his career. He is seeking to be the first undefeated 3A four-time champion since Jeff McGinness of Iowa City High went 172-0 (1990-93). His current win streak is third best all-time. Clark, 42-1 at 126 lbs., is 175-1 for his career. He had a win streak stopped at 163 in late January at the Winger Invitational in Urbandale by Iowa City West's Jack Hathaway (46-3). Hathaway won the 125 lbs. crown last winter.
THREE-TIME AMIGOS: Six wrestlers could win their third straight title. By class, those seeking to add their name to the list of 74 three-time kings are: Class 2A: Jake Marlin, Creston-Orient-Macksburg junior (47-1 at 138); Dylan Peters, Denver-Tripoli senior (44-0 at 120); Brandon Sorenson, Denver-Tripoli junior (45-1 at 132); and Class 1A: Robert Walker, Martensdale-St. Marys senior (26-0 at 145); Jordan Bremer, Woodbury Central, Moville senior (43-1 at 113); and Tyler Shulista, Alburnett senior (42-1 at 126)
SEEKING SECOND TITLE: Sixteen athletes will target securing their second Iowa gold medal this weekend. By class they are as follow. 1-A (2): Logan Mulnix, North-Linn senior (41-0 at 138); Loren Williams, Tri-Center junior (48-0 at 152); 2-A (4): Sawyer Farris, New London senior (42-0 at 120); Kane Seeley, Perry senior (44-1 at 220); Doug Miner, Spirit Lake Park junior (42-0 at 106); Topher Carton, Assumption, Davenport senior (46-1 at 132); 3-A (10): Tyler Willers, Pleasant Valley senior (47-2 at 120); Eric DeVos, Waverly-Shell Rock senior (41-3 at 126); Zach Witte, Prairie, Cedar Rapids senior (19-0 at 152); Colby Knight, Urbandale junior (29-11 at 120); Brian Warren, Des Moines North-Hoover senior (34-3 at 145); Phillip Laux, Iowa City West senior (46-3 at 113); Jack Hathaway, Iowa City West senior (46-3 at 126); Dakota Bauer, Iowa City West senior (48-2 at 132); Ross Larson, Ankeny senior (37-0 at 195); and Willie Miklus, Southeast Polk senior (43-0 at 220).
SEEKING PERFECTION: Thirty-one wrestlers will start the tournament undefeated in their weight division. Class 1-A (15): David Walker, Martensdale-St. Marys senior, 48-0 at 132; Robert Walker, Martensdale-St. Marys senior, 26-0 at 145; Andrew Wellick, Emmetsburg junior, 14-0 at 170; Tanner Taylor, Okoboji, Milford senior 39-0 at 182; Aaron Anderson, Clarion-Goldfield senior, 34-0 at 120; Sam Solis, Clarion-Goldfield senior, 36-0 at 138; Zac Schleuger, West Hancock, Britt senior 42-0 at 195; Chris Schleuger, West Hancock, Britt junior, 46-0 at 285; Hunter Washburn, Alburnett freshman, 42-0 at 106; Logan Mulnix, North-Linn, Troy Mills senior, 41-0 at 138; Brendan Schott , North-Linn junior, 42-0 at 170; Ryan Parmley, Maquoketa Valley, Delhi freshman, 46-0 at 195; Tait Simpson, Lisbon senior, 27-0 at 152; Loren Williams, Tri-Center, Neola junior, 48-0 at 152; Marco Naughton, St. Albert, Council Bluffs senior, 33-0 at 285. Class 2A (10): Darrian Schwenke, Atlantic sophomore, 33
-0 at 106; Jared Eischeid, Kuemper Catholic, Carroll sophomore, 39-0 at 113; Seth Esais, Red Oak senior, 46-0 at 182; Colten Riley, South Central Calhoun senior, 53-0 at 195; Doug Miner, Spirit Lake Park junior, 42-0 at 106; Adam Drain, Mediapolis sophomore, 47-0 at 160; Cody Fritz, Solon senior, 43-0 at 152; Dylan Peters, Denver-Tripoli senior, 44-0 at 120; Adam Reth, West Delaware junior, 40-0 at 195; and Dalton Kingery, PCM, Monroe senior, 36-0 at 126. Class 3A (6): Zach Witte, Prairie, Cedar Rapids senior, 19-0 at 152; John Meeks, Des Moines Roosevelt senior, 41-0 at 138; Gabriel Moreno, Urbandale senior, 37-0 at 145; Jared Bartel, Mason City senior, 45-0 at 182; Ross Larson, Ankeny senior, 37-0 at 195; and Willie Miklus, Southeast Polk senior (43-0 at 220).
OH BROTHER: At least seven sets of brothers have qualified this year including two sets that are undefeated. Class 1A (4): Robert (26-0 at 145) and David Walker (48-0 at 132) of Martensdale-St. Marys; and West Hancock's Zac (42-0 at 195) and Chris Schleuger (46-0 at 285) are the unbeaten siblings. Also qualified are West Hancock's Ryder (32-4 at 170) and Gunnar Clark (37-1 at 182); Dalton (26-3 at 170) and Caleb (32-4 at 195) Ciavarelli from Clarksville; Class 2A (1): Sam (21-6 at 160) and Noah Pickard (35-1 at 195) of North Polk; Class 3A (2): Travis (46-2 at 106) and Tyler Willers (47-2 at 120) of Pleasant Valley; Tim (38-5 at 160) and Willie Miklus (43-0 at 220) of Southeast Polk
HEY GIRL: Eddyville-Blakesburg's Megan Black a junior at 106 lbs. enters the tourney at 9-1 and as the first girl ever to win a District title. She qualified as a 112 runner-up in Class 3A last winter at Ottumwa, but transferred to the Rockets. She sat out the 90 day eligibility transfer and then missed several matches due to injuries. Her first round opponent is against Jacob Schmit of Don Bosco, Gilbertville, a senior with a 29-18 record. Over 30 females wrestled in Iowa high school programs each of the last two years. Iowa girls have participated on high school programs since 1972. State rules allow female students to participate in a boys sport when their school does not offer a comparable sport.
GRAND MARCH ESCORTS:
With a state renown for a reverence of achievement in wrestling, this year's 42nd annual Grand March has a 50-year tie to a rare achievement - that being a four time state champion. That accomplishment always gets a rousing standing ovation from the best high school wrestling fans anywhere.
In 1962 Britt's Bob Steenlage blazed a path no other wrestler in Iowa preps had done - being a four time state champion and creating Iowa's most exclusive prep wrestling club. Over 400,000 wrestlers in 42 years preceded Steenlage and it would take another 17 years before Iowa would crown another four-time champion. Going into this year's tournament 18 young men have followed Steenlage in this remarkable achievement. Two more could attain that elite status this season. That would make a total of 21 out of nearly three-quarters of a million wrestlers who have donned a singlet and headgear since 1921.
The title of four time Iowa State Champion is worthy of a special observance and this year's tournament is a celebration of Steenlage's historic achievement 50 years ago. As a result the IHSAA wanted him to lead this year's Grand March, but he had to decline due to a personal commitment. Undaunted, the Athletic Association and Steenlage appealed to his younger brother Les to stand in for him. The elder Steenlage will be in attendance at the tournament through Friday and will be introduced to the fans prior to the start of the 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Friday sessions. Les will be the Grand March Escort for his brother prior to the championship matches on Saturday.
Following is a brief biography of each.
BOB STEENLAGE: He led the tradition rich Eagles to state-wide acclaim during his title years as the Eagles cornered a fourth (1959), a runner-up (1960) and back-to-back team titles in 1961 and 1962. Known for his impeccable technique, he also exhibited the mental discipline that allowed him to prevail. He won his first title with a 2-1 decision, and followed with gold medal performances of 4-0, 2-0, and 3-2 on riding time while shrugging off a shoulder injury. The accomplishment of winning four titles which seemingly was impossible had been snapped and freed thousands to pursue it. Following high school, he was appointed to the United States Military Academy where he earned his undergraduate degree, while becoming a three-time NCAA qualifier and a Division I All-American. He later served the United States in Vietnam and won a Bronze Star and during his life's work in teaching, sales and motivational speaking, he has lived the values of "Duty-Honor-Country," each rooted i
n a faith in family and Our Creator. Now living in Wisconsin he speaks to several groups around the country with the messages of "Attitude and Gratitude" and "Never, Never Giving Up."
LES STEENLAGE: His fourth place effort as a senior helped secure a 1966 runner-up finish for the Eagles. He then sandwiched three years of military service, including Vietnam, around wrestling collegiately at Mankato State (MN) and the University of Iowa, graduating in 1974. He was a graduate assistant on the 1975 Hawkeyes' National Championship team and later started the Parks and Recreation Department at Eagle Grove before returning to Iowa in 1977 as Assistant Director of Athletics. He is currently the Championships Director at the University and has coordinated nearly 60 championship events in 12 different sports with 32 championships in wrestling. He has directed more NCAA championship events than any of his peers. He has a national reputation as being the top collegiate director of wrestling championships including four NCAA meets, two NWCA National Duals, and two USA Olympic Team Trials.
NEW WRESTLING HALL OF FAME MEMBERS:
Six new members of the IHSAA Wrestling Hall of Fame will be inducted Saturday night during the Awards Ceremony. A sketch of each follows.
GENE DOYLE: A 1958 Toledo graduate he earned his degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1962 and embarked on a half century teaching and coaching career. A four year stop at Keota was followed by eight years at Dubuque Senior, before arriving at Cedar Falls in 1974. He was an assistant coach for hall-of-fame mentor Keith Young before taking over the head coaching reins in 1985 before retiring as head coach in 2000. He authored an impressive 242-51 dual meet career slate, with his teams winning the traditional State Championship in 1993, 1997 and 1998, while posting six top five finishes. He coached 43 state meet medal winners including 10 champions. His 1993 club also won the State Dual Team championship after taking third in 1992. He also added a runner-up finish in 1995 and a fourth place finish in 1998. He was named State Coach-of-the-Year twice. He was a 1998 nominee for National Coach of the Year and is a member of the NWCA Hall of Fame. He is also a registe
red official. In addition he has been an assistant coach in the Tigers' track program and continues to be a varsity assistant in football.
BOB DYER: A 1967 graduate of Glenwood, he was on the first Rams mat teams. After earning his B.S. degree from Northwest Missouri State University in 1971, he started at Dallas Center-Grimes. After three seasons and a two year stint as head wrestling coach, he returned to his alma mater. He spent two seasons as an assistant and followed with a sterling 30-year career as head coach. His teams posted a 321-74-5 dual meet record winning the Traditional State Tournament title in 1989 and posting second place finishes in 1992 and 1998. He coached 152 state qualifiers with 76 earning medal status, among them his sons Jeff and Matt. Thirteen of his wrestlers won state championships and 12 more were runner-up. Twelve times his teams had top ten finishes at the State Tournament. Some of his wrestlers earned All-America recognition at the NCAA Division I and III and also NAIA and NJCAA competitions. He also coached Glenwood into the State Team Duals six times with third place finis
hes in 1989, 1998, 2004 and 2005. A multiple State Coach-of-the-Year, he is a member of three Halls of Fame including the National Wrestling Coaches Association. In 2006 he retired at Glenwood and currently serves as an assistant coach at Simpson College.
JEFF KELLY: A three time state qualifier and a two-time State Champion for Britt, he wrestled for hall-of-fame coach Al DeLeon. In an era of limited dual meets, he finished his career with a record of 100-15. His state titles came in two different divisions winning the Class AA 145 lbs. title in 1984 and repeating in 1985 in Class A at 155 lbs., thus setting the family standard for younger brother Patrick. He was a collective 58-3 in his title years. He went on to be a junior national Greco-Roman All-American before becoming a four year letter winner at Iowa State and a 1988 NCAA Tournament qualifier for Coach Jim Gibbons. He earned his BS degree from Iowa State in 1990. He is currently the Student Services Director at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny. He and his wife Sara make their home in Urbandale.
PAT KELLY: At Britt he authored a career record of 132-6 as a four time State Meet qualifier. He earned a third place finish in 1986 at 167 lbs. and back-to-back unbeaten gold medals at Heavyweight in Class A in 1987 and 1988. He also helped the Coach Al Deleon's Eagles to third in the 1987 State Dual Team Tournament, ending his career with 76 straight wins. A Junior National Freestyle All American, he was also named first team All-American. At the University of Iowa he was a part-time starter and a member of their Big 10 and NCAA Championship squads. He won the silver medal in the US Olympic Sports Festival and finished his collegiate career at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he was twice a NCAA Division II All-American with third place finishes in the nationals. He was named the North Central Conference's Outstanding Wrestler as a senior. After coaching junior high, high school and club wrestling in Iowa and Kansas he currently is the head coach at Seaman High Sc
hool in Topeka, KS.
JOSH BUDKE: Wrestling for fellow hall-of-fame member Gene Doyle, he was a four-time qualifier and medal performer while winning three consecutive state titles. He posted a 155-11 career record and was 120-4 in his championship years - 1995 (103), 1996 (112) and 1997 (125). His three titles made him the second wrestler for Cedar Falls to reach that plateau and the first in 30 years. His senior season brought special achievements. Not only did he claim a third crown, but the Tigers topped the Class 3A field for the traditional State Tournament crown, he was named the Iowa winner of the prestigious Dave Schultz High School Award for Excellence and a member of the USA Dream Team. He did his college work at the University of Iowa where he was a letter winner and was a member of the Hawkeyes' 2000 NCAA Championship squad. He was also a three-time All-Academic Big Ten Conference athlete. Since graduating in 2003 he is a partner in the employee benefits division for True North Com
panies in Cedar Rapids. He is currently a volunteer assistant coach at Cedar Rapids Washington.
CLIFF MOORE: With a career prep mark of 137-2 and 109 straight triumphs, he was a four time state finalist and Dubuque Hempstead's only three time state champion. In 1996 he went 30-2 to finish second at 103 lbs. setting the stage for a three year undefeated stretch. He was 37-0 in winning the 112 lbs. title in 1997; 35-0 in 1998 when he took the 119 lbs. crown and 37-0 again in 1999 when he wore gold at 125 lbs. for Coach Dan Dunham. At the University of Iowa he was a three time All American with a 109-24 mark. Twice he was sixth in the NCAA Tournament at 133 lbs. before winning a national title at 141 lbs. as a senior in 2004. He was 33-2 that season and was named the school's most valuable wrestler. He was an Academic All American in 2003 before completing his undergraduate work in Marketing. He was also the Big 10 Champion in 2003 and 2004. A member of the 2006 National Freestyle Team, he was third in the World Team trials. After two years as an assistant at Iowa, h
e joined the Edinboro University (Edinboro, PA) staff as an assistant in 2006.
OFFICIALS' HALL OF FAME:
Two veteran mat officials, Mike Braden of Oskaloosa and Bob Algoe from Anamosa, enter the IHSAA Officials' Hall of Fame this winter. They are recently retired and collectively they officiated wrestling 72 years with 47 years in the traditional State Tournament, including 45 championship round appearances. Profiles of them follow:
DALE ACHESON: A 1978 graduate of Wayne Community High School, Corydon, he was active in wrestling and track and field. His interest in wrestling was also sparked by following the careers of his older brothers. After graduating he began officiating in 1980 to continue his interest in the sport. This year marks his 32nd year on the whistle. He has steadily progressed and has worked sectional and district meets since 1986. He is appearing in his 22nd State Tournament and his 20th year in the championship round. In addition he has also worked the State Team Dual Tournament three times. He is employed by the City of Urbandale, where he and his family reside.
BOB MURPHY: A state medal winner as a senior, he graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1970. He attended Loras College where he was a place winner in the 1970 NAIA Nationals as a senior. Following his degree, he coached five years at Loras including one season as head coach before moving on to Wahlert, Dubuque as a teacher and head coach from 1979-1986. He also earned his Masters' Degree in Administration. He served Plainfield for two years in administration and in 1988 accepted his current position as Assistant Principal/Activities Director at West Delaware High School. He began officiating as a college sophomore and 40 years later he still works meets from little kids through college. For 25 years he has worked sectional and district meets and this year is his 20th state meet and championship round. He has also worked 14 State Team Dual Meets.
IHSAA NEWS MEDIA AWARD:
JOHN GORMAN, Winterset Madisonian: A 1943 Winterset graduate, Mr. Gorman served the United States in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Upon returning he graduated from the University of Iowa School of Journalism in 1949. For two years he was a reporter at the Independence Bulletin-Journal. In 1951 he became the third generation of the family to be associated with The Madisonian. In 1965 he became the editor and publisher until his retirement in 1989, ending a 40-year journalism career. The newspaper was assumed by his son and current publisher Ted Gorman. The success of Winterset and area schools in wrestling and other activities have been highlighted for over 50 years in Madisonian stories and pictures. He passed away in February 1994. He and his wife Ruth (also deceased) raised three daughters (Pat Gorman Richards, Jane Gorman Wooldridge, and Carol Gorman) and a son, Ted.
ADDITIONAL AWARDS: The special Awards Ceremonies that begins at 5:45 p.m., Saturday will also feature the Iowa Wrestling Officials and Coaches Association's coaches-of-the-year, official-of- the-year,
