Linn-Mar's Jeffery scores big win

Linn-Mar freshman Alijah Jeffery scored a significant win Saturday at the Five Seasons Duals tournament hosted by Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Cedar Rapids Washington. Jeffery, ranked fourth to start the season, beat Waverly-Shell Rock's top-ranked Andrew Steiert, 1-0, in the Lions' quarterfinal dual against the Go-Hawks, who won the event.

Jeffery, a former AAU state champion, scored an escape in the third period and kept Steiert from scoring. Steiert placed fourth at state at 103 pounds last season as a freshman.

“It's a big win for him because it validates what he's doing,” Linn-Mar Coach Doug Streicher said. “Hopefully, it will push him harder.”

Streicher said Jeffery entered his first varsity season with high goals - a state title. Jeffery is 10-0 and won West Delaware's Hawk Invitational on Dec. 4. Saturday's win reinforces the confidence of his ability.

“I think he knew he belonged up there,” said Streicher, noting Jeffery needs to focus on building on the win and separating himself from other wrestlers. “I hope that's his mentality.”

Jeffery is extending the Lions traditioin of quality 103-pound wrestlers. The group includes four-time state champion Jay Borschel, three-time state champion Matt McDonough, state finalist Wes Shetterly, medalist Greg Keating and teammate Joel Northup, who placed third at state last year as a freshman. Borschel and McDonough won NCAA Division I crowns in 2010 for the University of Iowa. Borschel at 174 and McDonough at 125.