Hawks hand Thompson a team win after personal loss

CEDAR RAPIDS — Kane Thompson gathered his thoughts on the drive.

He debated whether he was making the right move, joining the Cedar Rapids Prairie team part of the way through a competition.

Thompson spent most of the day with family, attending the funeral services of his grandfather, Joe Kriegel, in Brooklyn. He wanted to make sure he was returning for the right reasons, willing to let the day carry on without him, if that was best for the kids. Thompson recalled advice of his maternal grandfather.

'You think about what grandpa was about,' Prairie's first-year head coach said. 'He was a big-time farmer, loved it and family. My family was winding down and everybody was tired. I needed to keep my mind busy and grandpa always said do what you love. Here, this is what I love, so let's come in and get the job done.'

Thompson quelled his anxieties and joined the Hawks in time Saturday for a title at the Five Season Duals at Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Class 3A fourth-ranked Prairie defeated 1A No. 3 Alburnett, 40-34, in the championship.

Thompson arrived during the Hawks' 46-27 victory over Bettendorf to close pool competition and secure a spot in the final. After celebratory photos, senior state medalist Taylor Mehmen handed him a card from the team.

'He's a great coach and we really respect him,' Mehmen said. 'We really wanted to get this for him. We have other coaches who pushed us to win and then he came through in the end.'

Thompson said more than 50 family members routinely gathered at his grandparents home for holidays and gatherings. He said you could feel his presence whenever you walked in the home and he was willing to help anyone in their tight-knit family. He had a fun side, saying Thompson was 'his grandson' whenever he won and he was his grandmother's when he lost.

'He was a jokester,' Thompson said. 'He was the type of guy that would tell you if you get knocked down and get back up isn't as important as if you get knocked down, get back up and do something about it.'

Prairie claimed six straight weights, building a 31-6 lead midway through against Alburnett. Preston LaGrange (182) sparked the Hawks with a fall at 182, tying it 6-6. After two forfeits, Tyler Pasker, who moved from 220 to heavyweight, added a pin. Conrad Braswell (106) added a major decision and fifth-ranked Marcus England won at 113.

Sam Uthoff (132) and 138-pounder Chase St. John posted a pin and decision, respectively, to cap Prairie's points with three matches left.

'We're all doing the work when we need to, getting bonus points,' Mehmen said. 'It all came through in the end.'

Despite adversity, the Hawks took care of business. They went 5-0, improving to 8-0 this season. Prairie handled Kennedy (53-22), Urbandale (68-6) and Iowa City West (45-19).

'We've always talked with a championship lifestyle that family comes first,' England said. 'We understood, and we have faith in our assistant coaches.

'We've prepared and worked hard in the room. I feel he has gotten us ready for different tournaments like this.'

Alburnett reached the finals for the first time. The Pirates began competing in the tournament under Thompson, who coached them to two 1A traditional state tournament titles and a state duals crown. He received condolences from Alburnett folks and even received a memory book from the wrestlers about his time there.

'I think they had this in the works,' Thompson said. 'It shows you change colors but relationships you build don't end when you change jobs.'

The Pirates (7-3) dominated their pool, going 4-0 to reach the championship. Alburnett, the smallest team in the field, dropped West Delaware, 60-24, to start the day. The Pirates also beat Iowa City High (52-17), Linn-Mar (40-27) and Pleasant Valley (48-33).

Host Kennedy placed third, ending the day with a 41-36 victory over Linn-Mar. The Cougars opened with a loss to Prairie and won five straight. Kennedy Coach Dennis Hynek said the Cougars wrestled better with each dual.

'I'm happy with how our kids progressed,' said Hynek, who was unsure the last time they finished as high in this tournament. 'Prairie beat us and out-competed us. After that, we challenged the kids and I'm very proud of them overall.'

Ben Sarasin (6-1) helped cap the Cougars' day in exciting fashion. With Kennedy owning a 38-36 lead, the third-ranked 160-pounder secured the victory with a 5-3 win over Linn-Mar's top-ranked Shea Hartzler. Sarasin used a couple takedowns, including one in the final period.

'It was great,' Hynek said. 'He had a heck of a match. He kept in good position. He moved his feet real well.'

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com