Area coaches address Spencer wrestler's tragic death

Tragedy struck Iowa's prep wrestling community Saturday when Spencer High School senior Austin Roberts died after collapsing in the finals of the Tigers' home tournament.

The wrestling community responded with support for the program and the Roberts family.

As the Spencer community deals with the loss of an outstanding student athlete, wrestling coaches are addressing the unusual situation that occurred 10 months after Creston-OM's Tayler Pettit collapsed on the floor of Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines during the state duals tournament.

Some have not broached the topic yet and some have mentioned it in passing. West Delaware Coach Jeff Voss shared the devastating news with his team when he heard Saturday. The Hawks were 1-5 at the Battle of Waterloo that day.

'I just told them it puts things in perspective,' said Voss, whose team recites four tenets after each practice, including appreciation for the chance to wrestle, never giving up and live without fear of mistakes. 'Losing a dual meet isn't the worst thing that can happen.'

Wrestling is a sport that demands toughness. Competitors push themselves, accepting comfort with being uncomfortable. Cedar Rapids Kennedy Coach Dennis Hynek said he hasn't talked about it directly with his wrestlers or parents, but said everyone needs to be aware of the wrestler's well-being.

'There is a fine line between tough and smart,' Hynek said. 'We keep the lines of communication open with parents.'

Roberts, 18, was ranked sixth at 220 pounds in Class 3A. He placed eighth at the 2015 state meet. The 6-foot-4 senior was also a standout in football. According to NBC News, his father, Travis Roberts, said there were no warning signs.

According to IHSAA officials, there isn't a record of wrestling-related deaths in the state. This is a first in Executive Director Alan Beste's 28 years with the IHSAA.

Cedar Rapids Prairie Coach Kane Thompson intended to discuss the news in practice earlier this week, but focus remained on wrestling. Now, the Hawks are on break.

'I just feel horrible for the community,' Thompson said. 'I wouldn't even know how to handle it.'

Thompson coached at the 2015 state duals, leading Alburnett in the 1A field. He witnessed medical staff attempt to resuscitate Pettit as he was carted from the arena.

'It scared the daylights out of me,' Thompson said. 'You pray for the kid right away.'

It is an unfortunate coincidence to happen in the same calendar year. Support has been immediate. A Go FundMe page was established and it had raised more than $47,000 for the Roberts family as of Tuesday night.

Cedar Rapids Jefferson had the week off, but the J-Hawks program plans to honor him at their next home dual, which is against Cedar Rapids Xavier after the break.

'It's our intention to recognize and take a moment of silence,' Jefferson co-head coach Dick Briggs said. 'We will address it.'

THREE TROJANS MEDAL

Iowa City West had three wrestlers place in the top six at the 28th Al Dvorak Invitational at Machesney Park, Ill., this week.

Nelson Brands led the way for the Trojans, reaching the 138-pound final. Brands placed second, dropping a 3-2 decision to Montini Catholic's Will Lewan. Brands advanced to the final with three pins and a decision, moving to 24-1 this season.

Donovan Doyle finished third at 195, losing the semifinal in overtime to the eventual champion. Doyle, ranked second in Class 3A by The Predicament, rebounded with two decisions after his first loss of the year. He opened with two falls and is 26-1.

Carter Rohweder (18-8) went 5-3, including four straight consolation victories, to get sixth at 160. West placed 18th as a team.

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