Pirates prepped to plunder for more state gold

One just isn't enough for Alburnett's wrestling program.The Pirates aren't content with winning last year's state duals. They won't even be satisfied with only one gold trophy this year.Greed for golden bounty is acceptable in this case. Top-ranked Alburnett will attempt to match last year's state title sweep. The Pirates open as the top seed for the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 3A State Duals wrestling tournament Wednesday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, beginning at 9 a.m. Alburnett (24-9) faces eighth-seeded Logan-Magnolia (21-4) in the quarterfinals.The Pirates won their first state wrestling titles in school history last year. They want to prove doubters wrong.“Some people have talked about Alburnett might have just been a one-time thing, a one-hit wonder,” Pirates 126-pound senior Jacob Koch said. “Whether everyone that goes there will compete and earn as many points as they did last year that is something to debate, but I believe we still have a very good chance.”The chance is not taken for granted, considering how long and the work it took to earn the first championship last year. The Pirates have the attitude that they are working toward another title, instead of defending it.“We have a mindset that we can't expect things to happen for us,” said Zach Fowler, a senior ranked third at 113. “We know we're capable. We just have to put in the work and effort to do it.”The approach is the same but being defending champions comes with tougher tests. The target is firmly fixed on the Pirates' backs. Other teams wrestle harder and increase their effort to beat them. The challenge is raising their performance to overcome an opponent bring their best.The Pirates welcome it.“I love the battle,” Fowler said. “I hope everyone tries to gun for us. I hope we come out on top again.”The 1A field is solid, including a strong top half of the bracket. If they beat Lo-Ma, the winner between No. 4-seed Clarion-Goldfield and fifth-seeded Wilton will be a high hurdle to clear to return to the finals.Alburnett Coach Kane Thompson might have to earn his paycheck and then some Wednesday, figuring out the best matchups for the Pirates. He said the Pirates have the horsepower to win, but he may make some changes to help the team win and avoid upcoming traditional tournament matches.“You have to be on your game and you might have to make some moves,” Thompson said. “Last year, we were going 106 to heavyweight and that was our best lineup.”Alburnett topped Tri-Rivers Conference foes East Buchanan (62-18) and Maquoketa Valley (44-30) to qualify. The Pirates advanced 10 to the traditional state tournament. The district performance, winning some matches they weren't supposed to on paper, demonstrated they are wrestling well in the postseason.“We had some kids who wrestled phenomenal on Saturday,” Thompson said. “I think they are going to carry it over to State Duals and the individual tournament.”Thompson said the team is better suited for large individual tournaments. The Pirates have six ranked wrestlers, including state champions Hunter Washburn (132) and 170-pounder Dylan Windfield, top-ranked 145-pounder Bryce Paul and fourth-ranked Conner Shulista at 138.They treasure both dual and individual accomplishments.“I think both of them are a team effort,” Koch said. “I think both are equally important. The team is working toward each one individually.”Unity has helped power the team. A leader-by-committee governs the team, pushing them in practice and competition to ensure goals are attainable. Seniors like Windfield, Fowler and Koch guide the team. Thompson said Washburn is a natural leader, while Paul has evolved into being more vocal.“They expect a lot of each other,” Thompson said. “They don't let each other slack.”The entire season has led up to this weekend. The Pirates have the chance to add to their title totals. They are hungry for more gold.“We're more excited than ever to go to state,” Koch said. “It feels like the season has flown by. This is our last push. I think our team is going to give everything we've got.”