Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has announced State Duals tournament for 2026-27 wrestling season

Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union announced Wednesday that its Board of Directors unanimously approved the implementation of a State Duals tournament for the 2026-27 wrestling season.

Girls’ wrestling has continued to grow since its first sanctioned season in 2022-23. It only took two seasons for the sport to expand to two classes. In two more years, teams will get to experience another state-level competition.

“A state dual meet tournament is something that our wrestling schools have wanted,” IGHSAU Executive Director Erin Gerlich said. “The impressive growth of girls’ wrestling in Iowa along with more schools being able to field a full roster of wrestlers in every weight class shows that girls wrestling is ready for a dual team tournament.”

Cedar Rapids Prairie Coach Zach Becicka said the additional state championship event is overdue.

“I’m super excited for our girls and our sport,” said Becicka, whose Hawks tied for ninth at the Class 2A state tournament in February. “Although I think we should have had them this past season, these things take time. I’m very happy with the IGHSAU moving forward with them.”

The news release stated the dual tournament will take place before the postseason. The tentative dates for the inaugural State Duals will be Jan. 22, 2027 with qualifying competition held on Jan. 18.

“The growth from each year amazes me on how good these girls get,” East Buchanan co-head coach Dan Stiefel said. “It’s a different level from when we started. It’s not the same. A lot tougher to win all these matches. A lot of these girls have figured out how to wrestle. I figure by the time we get there it will be a lot tougher.

The Buccaneers were competitive with all teams when it was one class. They won the 1A state team title in February. Stiefel said State Duals gives female athletes another chance to compete, mirroring the same opportunities as males.

“It gives them another top-tier stage,” Stiefel said. “It helps try to develop teams. Something more to compete for that way.”

The number of classes and location of the event are still undecided. They both will be announced on a later date. Currently, the traditional state tournament is held at Xtream Arena in Coralville.

“This gives us another opportunity for all the girls to wrestle at a state-level event,” Stiefel said. “I think that’s good because it gives everyone that doesn’t make it to (traditional) state the chance to wrestle in that.”

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