K.J. Pilcher

Coe senior Will Esmoil wanted to make the most out of what could be his final season. He succeeded at the NCAA Division III Lower Midwest Regional wrestling tournament, posting three pins and two technical falls to earn a berth back to the national tournament after a year hiatus.

Gabe Smith traveled a long distance to find his fit and new home at Cornell College. The Rams’ staff, the unique block plan for classes and the state of Iowa’s rich wrestling culture made it the right destination.

Coe’s Matt Arsenault has transitioned from a part-time starter who didn’t participate in last year’s postseason to the seventh-ranked 197-pounder nationally. He will attempt to earn a national berth at the NCAA Division III Lower Midwest Regional men’s wrestling tournament Thursday and Friday at Alliant Energy PowerHouse.

It’s all about the postseason now on the Pinning Combination podcast, a show about all things wrestling in Iowa with Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs. This week’s episode has takeaways from Iowa’s win over Oklahoma State and Iowa State and UNI’s wins over Missouri and looks ahead to their respective conference tournaments.

Spencer Lee dominated the Pan-Ams, the Iowa men’s team capped the regular season with one of its best performances, UNI and Iowa State ended dual competition with wins and Iowa and North Central qualified 15 each for the NCWWC tournament during the Wrestling Weekend That Was.

Fourth-ranked Iowa won seven matches, including Michael Caliendo’s victory over No. 3 Izzak Olejnik at 165, Patrick Kennedy’s major decision at 174 and a sudden victory decision by 125-pounder Drake Ayala, in a 22-9 win over No. 2 Oklahoma State Sunday in Stillwater, Okla.

Meet The Gazette’s 2024 all-area high school girls’ wrestling team: Linn-Mar’s Kane Naaktgeboren is the Wrestler of the Year and Alburnett’s Clayton Rush is the Coach of the Year.

Jared Franek knew a few wrestlers from North Dakota that made the NCAA Division I level, including former Iowa Hawkeyes Terry and Troy Steiner and family friend, Scott Schiller, who wrestled for Minnesota. Now, he looks to set an example for young North Dakota wrestlers with NCAA D-I aspirations.

After another unpredictable Iowa high school boys’ state wrestling tournament, the Pinning Combination podcast with Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs is here to break down all the top storylines.

Gilbert went on a 12-6 run to close the fourth and added a 6-0 run in overtime to top Cedar Rapids Xavier, 60-57, in the Class 4A Region 6 girls’ basketball final Tuesday night at Gilbert.

Upper Iowa swept Quincy University and University of Indianapolis on Sunday, earning a share of the conference dual title with McKendree and Maryville. Coe closed its regular season with a win over Dubuque. Plus some final thoughts from the IHSAA state wrestling tournament.

Linn-Mar’s Kane Naaktgeboren ended his high school wrestling career with an undefeated championship season. He became the Lions’ 10th wrestler to win a state crown and the program’s seventh four-time state medalist.

A look at Saturday’s Class 1A Iowa high school boys’ state wrestling finals. Alburnett’s Rowdy Neighbor scored two takedowns against Akron-Westfield’s Cael Morrow, avenging a loss from a year ago and capturing the 120-pound title

A look at Saturday’s Class 3A Iowa high school boys’ state wrestling finals. A district loss was the perfect motivator for Iowa City High’s Cale Seaton to return to form. A state championship form.

Saturday’s Iowa high school boys’ state tournament notebook features West Delaware Coach Jeff Voss wrapping up a successful career and a look at this year’s Hall of Fame inductees.