‘I want it more:’ Iowa City West’s Justin Avila captures district wrestling title with changed mindset

CEDAR RAPIDS — Iowa City West’s Justin Avila waited a long time for this moment.

Almost an entire year.

The work and dedication since a disappointing 2023 finish have paid dividends.

Fourth-ranked Avila defeated Ankeny Centennial’s Lucas Bruhl, avenging a loss in last season’s state quarterfinals and capturing the 150-pound title at the Class 3A district meet Saturday at Cedar Rapids Prairie. He was one of three West champions and eight state qualifiers.

“That one was huge,” Avila said. “I’ve been wanting that one since last year.

“My mindset is just getting over that hump. I’ve wrestled close matches with a lot of top guys at my weight, so to get over that hump means a lot. I am right there.”

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Photos: Class 3A boys’ wrestling district tournament at Prairie

Avila (33-3) was a state medalist as a freshman, wrestling at 170 pounds in a lineup stacked with middleweight talent. He placed fourth that season. As a sophomore, he dropped to a more natural 145. Bruhl handed him the first of two consecutive losses at state to keep him from getting back on the podium.

“It was rough last year for me,” Avila said. “Not having another medal. It was a long season for me not to get what I worked my butt off all season for.”

The sting helped reshape his approach. He was more focused during workouts. It wasn’t about just punching in but getting work done while on the clock.

“I want it more,” Avila said. “My mindset has changed about the sport. My mentality during practice is to get better. I’m not there just to go through the motions.

“I think that’s the biggest change from last year to this year is the growth of my mindset. I’m there to win, not just to keep it close and try to win. I’m going to win.”

West Coach Nate Moore said Avila’s work ethic has always been there but he has had a consistent effort in wrestling room.

“He’s at practice with a purpose,” Moore said. “He’s trying to get better every day. It showed in how he wrestled in that match.”

Avila scored a first-period takedown for an early lead. The pair exchanged escapes until Bruhl received a penalty point late in a 3-2 decision. Avila was mobbed by teammates and was congratulated by coaches. He received a big hug from his dad, Robert.

“It feels amazing,” Avila said. “My dad has been in my corner forever. We love each other. I’m extremely grateful for my teammates and coaches. Win or lose, we’re right there for each other.”

West received titles from top-ranked Alexander Pierce at 113 and Kyler Scranton at 175. The Trojans finished with eight qualifiers.

“For the most part, it was pretty much as expected with how the season went,” Moore said. “I was proud of everybody. They went out and fought. We got what we earned.”

Prairie had two champions and seven state qualifiers. Top-seeded Dylan Munson won the 106-pound title, building a 14-4 lead before pinning Newton’s Kent Montgomery. Tyler Lee claimed the 132-pound title for the Hawks.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy also crowned to titlists. Colin Falck (165) and heavyweight Logan Johnson earned gold. Falck had a pin and major decision before beating Ankeny Centennial’s Ari Ehlts, 3-0, in the final.

Cedar Rapids Washington’s Wyatt Young (190) and Iowa City Liberty’s 215-pounder Vinny Lima also won crowns.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com