State Duals: Debuts for Alburnett, Williamsburg

CEDAR RAPIDS - Today is a first for the Alburnett and Williamsburg wrestling programs.Both make debut appearances in the State Duals wrestling tournament at the U.S. Cellular Center. Both are seeded fourth, the Pirates in Class 1A and the Raiders in 2A.“It's real exciting, but it's unfamiliar territory for all of us and all our guys,” Alburnett Coach Kane Thompson said. “We're used to going down to Des Moines, and then that's it. Then you're done.”Alburnett has elevated its program in recent years. State champions Tyler Shulista (119) and Christopher Halblom (125) and state medalist Colton Martin (130) lead the way, but today's appearance shows the Pirates have a balanced lineup.“It shows other kids beside those two are starting to make gains and buy into the program and starting to believe in it,” Thompson said. “We do have a solid dual team.”Williamsburg, powered by state medalist J.C. Vercande (130) and three-time champion Austin Blythe (heavyweight), knocked on the door in the past, competing in regional duals four straight seasons and five of the last seven.Getting to state, however, has created more buzz around the program.“It builds excitement in your community and school,” Williamsburg Coach Grant Eckenrod said. “People are pumped about it. Your little kids are talking about it. It's a big deal all the way around.”

25th anniversaryThe Iowa High School Athletic Association is celebrating the 25th year of the state duals competition.Tournament organizers will honor the top programs and coaches in a ceremony at 6 p.m. in the U.S. Cellular Center.Since the first event in 1987, Cedar Rapids Prairie leads Class 3A with 11 appearances. Winterset (14) and Don Bosco (17) have qualified the most in 2A and 1A, respectively. Don Bosco has the most titles with eight, including the last six.Don Bosco's Coach Tom Kettman has won seven titles. Former Davenport Assumption Coach Wade King, Iowa City West Coach Mark Reiland and Waverly-Shell Rock Coach Rick Caldwell have four championship teams apiece.The late Dave Harty, the first tournament manager who ran the event for 19 years, will be honored.