Tough Thomsens

VAN HORNE - Union Community's Logan and Max Thomsen are as competitive with one another as they are with their opponents on the wrestling mat.

The Knights brother tandem might be as likely to share a punch in the nose as they would a pat on the back.

The Thomsens combine to give Class 2A 10th-ranked Union two dominant performers in its lineup.

Max Thomsen, a freshman, is ranked fifth at 113 pounds. Logan, a junior and two-time state medalist, is ranked third at 138. They have separate partners in the wrestling room due of their size difference and rivalry.

“They don't wrestle in practice because we've seen it before and it gets ugly,” Union Coach Pat Hogan said. “They'd rather smack each other as opposed to wrestle.”

Max Thomsen said they have drilled together, but live-wrestling may result in a fight. The brothers struggle for bragging rights with Logan comparing their relationship with University of Iowa NCAA champions Tom and Terry Brands, who now coach the Hawkeyes together.

“If it wasn't for my parents, we'd probably be beating each other with bats,” Logan Thomsen said at the Benton Community Jerry Eckenrod Bobcat Invitational on Saturday. “We are very competitive. We're always looking to one-up each other.”

Max did admit he and Logan get along, even if their competitive nature leads to conflict.

“We always want to outdo each other and sometimes it pushes it to the limit,” Max Thomsen said. “Afterward, we're good again right away.”

Logan Thomsen approached his younger brother before Saturday's finals, draping the team singlet reserved for championship matches over his shoulder and gave him a pat before he won the 113-pound crown.

“I'm always supportive of him,” said Logan Thomsen, who clapped twice slowly after adding, “I'll be like good job.”

Both have been more than good for the Knights, each posting a 22-1 record. Max Thomsen was impressive Saturday at Benton, handling state finalist and third-ranked Zach Less of West Delaware in the semifinals before pinning Centerville's top-ranked Tanner Cowan. Logan Thomsen, who was second at state as a freshman and third last year, recorded his 100th career win at Benton, placing second to North-Linn's Logan Mulnix, top-ranked in 1A, at 138.

Similar success with different styles.

“I think Logan is a scrambler. He comes out on top,” Hogan said. “Max is more of a technician.

“They both just hate to lose.”

They share a love of wrestling. The Thomsens have competed for years, wrestling in countless youth matches and entering high school ranks as near veterans. Logan Thomsen ran cross country to maintain his conditioning, and Max played football in the fall, but their passion lies on the mat.

“It has to be really strong considering all the time I put into it,” Logan Thomsen said. “About a month or two before wrestling (season) starts, I drop everything and it all goes to wrestling.”

Max Thomsen was an offensive back and linebacker for Union and dressed for the 3A state football champion Knights in the postseason. He skipped the championship victory against Decorah to compete at a national tournament in Tulsa, Okla., where he placed second in the 15-and-under division.

“I love football and a lot of other sports, but my main priority is wrestling,” Max Thomsen said. “I want to get as much experience and good competition to get ready for high school.”

Both own the same goal and that is a state title. As they try to outperform each other, their focus has to be on taking care of themselves and not set on each nother.

“We look at every match the same,” Max Thomsen said. “If you wrestle right, you'll win. If you make mistakes, you won't win.”

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