Alburnett wrestling continues successful ways under first-year coach Clayton Rush

DES MOINES — Clayton Rush recognized wealth of talent he had inherited when he took over the Alburnett wrestling program.

The chance to replace Kane Thompson as the Pirates head coach after last season was enough to lure him from his assistant position at alma mater Coe, where he was a four-time All-American, three-time national finalist and two-time NCAA Division III champion. Thompson, who stepped in as Cedar Rapids Prairie's head coach, helped elevate the program to new heights, guiding the Pirates to three state team titles, six consecutive top-three traditional state finishes and coaching 10 to individual state crowns.

'I knew this was a very talented group,' Rush said. 'I knew I was stepping into something really special.'

The first season with Rush at the reins, Alburnett completed a championship sweep with the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 1A team championship Saturday night at Wells Fargo Arena.

'It leads the path to the future,' Rush said. 'We have a lot of young guys.'

Rush said he had more confidence in that happening than the wrestlers when he stepped in during the off-season. He stressed the goal from the start.

'We're a good dual team and a good tournament team, assuming we could go out and score bonus (points),' Rush said. 'I think we showed we were capable on both sides.'

Senior 152-pounder Conner Shulista secured the second straight traditional state team title with his first championship in two finals appearances. Sophomore Tanner Sloan provided the last punch with a major-decision victory in the 170 final, giving Alburnett a permanent 119 1/2-111 edge over rival Lisbon. The Pirates sent the senior class out the same way they started — traditional and dual state team champions.

'It was our goal coming into the season,' said senior Bryce Paul, who finished third after winning a 2015 state title. 'It's bittersweet not getting the individual gold, but walking away with the gold (team) trophy on Saturday makes the week better.'

The victory was a total team effort. In addition to the two champions, Alburnett had five other medalists. Paul suffered a second-round upset and fought back for third at 160. Drake Halblom (132) and 145-pounder Tanner Hoyer both finished fourth. Jaymus Wilson (106) was fifth and unranked Tucker Franklin placed eighth. Everyone contributed and the Pirates received four pins for eight bonus points from Wilson, a freshman, in consolation matches.

'Coach always emphasizes to get the next best thing for the team and yourself,' Sloan said. 'We go out there and push to win that last match.'

Alburnett returns 61 1/2 points from this year's medalists. The Pirates' Ben Moyer is a two-time medalist, but did not place this season. He accounted for 14 points in 2015. In comparison, runner-up Lisbon isn't far behind with 53 points. Highland returns all 50 1/2 points from two-time state champion Bryce West and 126-pound runner-up and 2014 champ Drew West. Missouri Valley has 47 1/2 back from four qualifiers and North Linn duo Brock Henderson, the 113-pound titlist, and heavyweight Kyler Schott, scored 42 1/2.

Duals might be tougher after some key losses next year, but the Pirates have the potential for a traditional tournament run.

'I think they have the horsepower to do it again,' Paul said. 'They are going to do good things in the future.'

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