Iowa high school wrestling 2021-22: 8 area teams to watch

These Gazette area teams could be interesting to follow during the 2021-22 Iowa high school wrestling season.

INDEPENDENCE

The Mustangs placed third in Class 2A last season. They return 53 of their 81 state points, which was good enough for a top-five finish in February. Independence has eight wrestlers with state experience and 10 won at least 24 victories. The Mustangs have reached state duals the last three seasons, placing fourth twice and sixth.

IOWA CITY HIGH

The Little Hawks have a strong nucleus to build on from last season, including state champion Ben Kueter and medalists Cale Seaton (third at 113) and Kael Kurtz (seventh at 106). City High has five total state qualifiers back and letterwinners like Gable Mitchell and young talent like Kendall Kurtz to bolster the lineup.

IOWA CITY WEST

The Trojans placed eighth in 3A last season and four state qualifiers are back. West also welcomes three-time state champion Robert Avila Jr. from Lisbon and his freshman brother, Justin, who is ranked nationally in his class. Kael Scranton is another top performer for the Trojans, who will be suited better for tournaments with high-level talent.

LINN-MAR

The Lions have five state qualifiers back from last season’s seventh-place finish in 3A, including state champion Tate Naaktgeboren, two-time medalist Luke Gaffney and placewinner Kane Naaktgeboren. Linn-Mar has a couple more capable of reaching the state podium.

LISBON

The Lions have been one of the most consistent programs, earning their sixth straight top-two finish in 1A. Lisbon has 10 letterwinners back, including state participants Cade Siebrecht, Brandon Paez, Quincy Happel, Max Kohl and Lincoln Holub. With good numbers, experience and leadership, the Lions will be in a title hunt.

MFL MARMAC

The Bulldogs are the defending Upper Iowa Conference champions and reached the state duals for the first time in school history last season. MFL MarMac has depth and balance in its lineup, including two-time state medalist Gabe McGeough and state qualifier Karter Decker. The Bulldogs will be a strong dual team.

WEST DELAWARE

The Hawks are coming off a state duals and traditional state meet title sweep, which is the second time in the last three seasons. West Delaware has won three straight state duals crowns. The Hawks have six state medalists back and 10 starters back. Add in some talented freshmen and the Hawks will be one of the state’s best again.

WILLIAMSBURG

One of the most consistent programs each season. The Raiders field a balanced team with a competitive wrestler at every weight. This year should be much of the same. Williamsburg has some individual talent, including state finalist Gavin Jensen and qualifier Tytan Guerrero. Expect the same solid dual lineup from the Raiders.