Prepped as preps

When medals are awarded at the conclusion of the tournament, a group of placewinners will have something in common. Four medalists wrestled for Iowa City West High School

University of Iowa's Nate Moore (133), Derek St. John of Iowa, wrestling unattached at 157 pounds, Grant Gambrall (184) and Iowa State's 141-pounder Mitch Mueller each won state titles for the Trojans. All four were assured of a top six finish with Mueller placing in the top four.

“Training in the room with those guys is going to make you tough,” Gambrall said. “and prepare you for this kind of competition.”

Gambrall quickly noted the atmosphere of the West program, noting the contributions of the coaches, parents and wrestlers. Everything helped build the foundation for current success.

“All the guys in that room had similar attitudes,” Gambrall said. “We were never satisfied unless we dominated.

“It just wasn't an option to coast.”

Not to be outdone, the Linn-Mar wrestling program, headed by Coach Doug Streicher, is represented in the finals by two competitors. Matt McDonough and Jay Borschel advanced to the title bouts at 125 and 174, respectively. Borschel was the school's and Metro area's first four-time state champion, while McDonough was a three-time champ for the Lions.