K.J. Pilcher

Jordan Williams has split time as the 157-pound starter for fourth-ranked Iowa. He made a case to be the top guy, reaching the finals of the Soldier Salute wrestling tournament Sunday at Xtream Arena in Coralville.

Cedar Rapids Prairie junior Chase Watkinson was a state medalist last season. He is focused on becoming a state champion this season. Watkinson went 4-0, including a win over Waverly-Shell Rock’s top-ranked Kipton Lewis, Saturday during the Prairie Duals.

Iowa will send 16 wrestlers, but only a few starters, to the Soldier Salute wrestling tournament Saturday and Sunday at Xtream Arena in Coralville.

Get to know Gazette sportswriter K.J. Pilcher

The year was filled with extraordinary games and feats. High school athletes and teams continue to inspire and amaze through their accomplishments. The state is also fortunate to have the type of college programs it does. Here are my top-five memorable moments.

Iowa’s Ryder Block suffered two ACL tears early in his college wrestling career. After he battled back, suffered more adversity when his dad suffered a heart attack and had bypass surgery. Block has handled it all and is off to a strong start to this season.

Here is The Gazette’s third installment of area high school boys wrestling individual rankings for the 2025-26 season.

The Iowa High School Athletic Association released its first installment of the state dual rankings Tuesday. Southeast Polk (3A), Clarion-Goldfield-Dows (2A) and Don Bosco (1A) are ranked No. 1. Solon duo claim titles at Fort Madison Invitational.

Nelson Brands wasn’t sure when he was bit by the coaching bug but said he has enjoyed his first season as head coach at Iowa City Regina.

Iowa State and Iowa remained at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, and UNI dropped to No. 16 in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association NCAA Division I dual rankings.

The Gazette sports writer K.J. Pilcher and Iowa wrestling legend Dick Briggs talk about all things Iowa high school and Iowa universities/colleges wrestling

Iowa State and University of Northern Iowa close the first half of their seasons. Luther had a strong showing at Gator “Boots” Duals. Battle of Waterloo highlighted high school results in the Wrestling Weekend That Was.

West Branch senior Cooper Gates has earned two state medals but is focused on his best finish yet. He has started the season 17-1, winning the 165-pound title Saturday at the Regal Invitational at Iowa City Regina.

The Cougars claimed 10 weights and defeated Iowa City Liberty, 54-21, in a boys wrestling dual Thursday night at Kennedy. Liberty won the girls’ dual, 62-18.

Here are The Gazette’s second installment of 2025-26 area high school boys’ wrestling individual rankings.