West Delaware faces tough regional dual field

 West Delaware might have a different lineup, experienced some different results, but the goals remain the same.Despite losing eight seniors to graduation from last year's roster that posted back-to-back runner-up finishes at State Duals, the Hawks aspire continue the team success.“Our goal at the beginning of the season was to get in the top three,” West Delaware Coach Jeff Voss said. “The last couple of weeks we've been wrestling better.”Fifth-ranked West Delaware will have to be at its best, hosting a brutal Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 2A regional dual field Tuesday, which includes No. 8 Charles City, No. 9 Independence and 15th-ranked Union Community.The Hawks (16-7) open with Union Community in the regional dual semifinal, beginning at 6 p.m. The winner will face the winner between Charles City (12-6) and Independence (23-5) immediately after in the regional final. Regional dual champions advance to the state tournament Feb. 19 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.Voss said he expects a packed gymnasium treated to a fun evening of competition.“It's going to be a wild night,” Voss said. “It's going to have a state duals atmosphere.”The regional dual is the only with all four teams ranked and just one of two with three in the top 16. West Delaware and Union each won sectional titles, while Charles City and Independence tied with the most points in their sectional. The 2A teams in Northeast Iowa are accustomed to the tough road to get to state.“We know it's not going to be easy,” Independence Coach Michael Doyle said. “It speaks for the quality of the area we are in.”West Delaware is the defending traditional tournament champions, but lost a lot of firepower from a year ago, including state champions Adam Reth and Dean Broghammer and finalist Zach Muller. Even though they have already lost to rival Independence and Charles City, they believe this year's squad is just as capable.“I think we have a heck of a team,” Second-ranked 160-pound senior Jake Voss said. “We've been working hard all year. We've always had that goal of getting up there in the state duals. I think our guys are ready. We want it just as bad as the next guy.”Less than two weeks ago, Independence topped West Delaware, 38-28. The two Wamac powers tied for the conference tournament team title. Jeff Voss said the Hawks learned that every individual point, leading to team points, is valuable. The lesson applies to each of the three other teams in the regional.The Hawks have anxiously awaited rematch with the Mustangs.“We're looking forward to wrestling them,” said Jake Voss, who is one of four ranked wrestlers with state champion and second-ranked Pat Woods at 113,  No. 6 Sam Phillips (126) and fourth-rated Brent Lammers at 170. “I think everyone has a little chip on their shoulder, now.”West Delaware has to overcome the Knights just for a chance to face Independence. Jeff Voss said all four teams have the ability to walk away with a state duals berth.“There will be some great individual matches against Union,” Jeff Voss said. “It's going to be a tight dual.”The Mustangs already own wins against the teams in the foursome. Doyle said he is excited for the challenge, attempting to return to state duals for the first time since back-to-back appearances in 2008 and 2009.“It's just a matter of going out, executing and doing a good job,” Doyle said. “If our kids do that, I like our chances.”There are no secrets. The teams are familiar with one another and know what to expect. Previous success can provide a boost to the Mustangs.“I think it's a time where your kids have to have a lot of confidence in what they've done all year,” Doyle said. “They need to go out and wrestle as hard as they can.”In other 2A action, Mount Vernon and Williamsburg will compete in regional duals at Mediapolis. Mount Vernon opens with No. 16 Washington (Iowa), while Williamsburg takes on top-ranked Mediapolis.Center Point-Urbana wrestles Dubuque Wahlert in a regional semifinal hosted by second-ranked Davenport Assumption and includes DeWitt Central.In Class 1A, top-ranked Alburnett will begin its defense of its state duals crown. The Pirates host East Buchanan in a regional dual semifinal. The winner advances to the final against the Jesup and Maquoketa Valley semifinal winner.Seventh-ranked Lisbon won a sectional title and will compete against West Branch in a regional semifinal at No. 5 Wilton, who opens with Wapello.Sigourney-Keota takes on #11 SE Warren at Liberty Center, and Iowa Valley heads to State Center for a regional semifinal dual against eighth-ranked West Marshall.