Wrestling fans change hotels, wonder about tournament future

CEDAR RAPIDS-Hundreds flocked to the U-S Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids for the State Dual Team Wrestling tournament Saturday.  But many had to change their plans because the Crowne Plaza next door is closed for renovations.  It's the culminating event for the high school wrestling season.

"The intensity builds, the weigh-in, and then they take the mats.  It's pretty electric place to be right now,” said IHSAA Assistant Executive Director Alan Beste.

And it's been here at the Cell Center for years.  But renovations next door at the Crowne Plaza change things this time around.

"A lot of teams would stay here and it's so handy for them to come do weigh-ins and get ready for the tournament, said Beste.

"That would be nice and convenient and close to get here,” said Webster City High School fan Mike Symens.

So out of town fans had to go elsewhere like Webster City high school fan Mike Symens.

"We're two and a half hours away and it's just long enough that we didn't want to drive all the way back.,” said Symens.

It's a special trip to see his friend's son, senior wrestler Colton Doud.

"I had a brain tumor and they took it five months ago,” said fan Colton Doud.

Surprisingly, Doud was cleared to wrestle. So the trip and hotel stay were worth the costs, because the experience is priceless.

"It's awesome I had a brain tumor and I'm beating all the ranked kids,” said Doud.

Special memories in this building at this tournament with a long history together will come to a halt as the association plans its next move.

"We honestly don't have a decision make even close for 12 or 13,” said Beste.

US Cellular Center officials say renovations will wrap-up in time for the 2013 State Dual Team Wrestling.  No word from the association if it will return two years from now.