Blythe receives inaugural 2A Mr. Wrestler award

The Iowa High School Sports Network introduced the inaugural IHSSN.com Mr. Wrestler awards, presented by Fareway, and announced the winner from each of Iowa's three classes Tuesday.

Among the recipients is Williamsburg's three-time state champion and four-time finalist heavyweight Austin Blythe. He earned the 2A honor, pinning his was through the bracket at the Iowa High School Athletic Association 2A state meet Feb. 16-19 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. He became Iowa's 43rd four-time state finalist and the 73rd to win three championships. Waverly-Shell Rock's Cody Caldwell (3A) and Brandon Welter of Don Bosco in 1A were also selected as Mr. Wrestler winners.

Watch footage from the 2011 2A finals. Blythe pinned Dallas Center-Grimes' Zach Bauer in 5 minutes, 31 seconds for his final championship.

According to the news release, 20 wrestlers from each class were nominated by the Iowa High School Wrestling Coaches  and Officials Association, which was trimmed to three finalists in 1A, 2A and 3A. The finalists were selected by online voting from the coaches and officials.

According to Williamsburg Coach Grant Eckenrod, Blythe finished with 185 career wins and 145 of those were by fall, which would be atop the state's career falls list. At the start of the season, Centerville's T.J. Sebolt (2003-06) was first with 136. He won 94.4% of his matches, posting a 185-11 career mark.

Blythe, a University of Iowa football recruit, will be presented his award Wednesday at 2 p.m at Williamsburg High School.

Below is the official release about the award:

Boone, IA (March 1, 2011) Fareway Stores, Inc is a proud sponsor of The Iowa High School Sports Network (IHSSN) Championship Network. On Wednesday, March 2, 2011, representatives from Fareway will present trophies to the first annual IHSSN.com

Mr Wrestler Award winners. A committee selected by the Iowa High School Wrestling Coaches Association named the top 20 wrestlers in each of the 3 state classifications – 1A, 2A and 3A. Then 3 finalists from each class were selected via on-line votes from the states head wrestling coaches and officials.

Jeff Stearns, Vice President of Marketing and Promotions for Fareway says

“we are proud to support and recognize the efforts of top student athletes across the state”.

Following is a list of the student athletes and their respective high schools who received the most votes and will be presented the 2011 Mr Wrestler Awards:

Wednesday March 2 at 11:00am

Don Bosco High School

405 16th Ave

Gilbertville, IA

Williamsburg High School

810 West Walnut Street

Williamsburg, IA

Waverly–Shell Rock High School

1415 4th Avenue SW

Waverly, IA