K.J. Pilcher

The road to the Iowa high school boys’ state wrestling tournament is different this year. The trek is shorter for small schools, while all classes will see more wrestlers advance than previous seasons.

Coe 141-pounder Bryce Parke has endured the highs and lows of the college wrestling season. He thrived against rival Cornell, posting an 8-0 major decision over Carter Fecht in the Kohawks’ 33-6 dual win.

After 20 attempts from University of Iowa Coach Tom Brands when entering the transfer portal, Brody Teske answered the call to be a Hawkeye. He has stepped in as the 133-pound starter for second-ranked Iowa.

Xtream Arena hosted an energetic three days of championship events, the Iowa women dominated and Northern Iowa and Iowa State each went 2-0 leading into their showdown Friday. This is the Wrestling Weekend That Was.

Anders Kittelson and Blake Fox recorded victories in the final two matches, helping Osage to the Class 2A State Duals championship and snapping West Delaware’s four-year run of titles.

West Delaware rolled through the quarterfinals and outlasted a tough Sergeant Bluff-Luton to land in a familiar spot — the Class 2A state duals championship dual Saturday at Xtream Arena in Coralville.

Mount Vernon senior suffered torn knee ligaments in football that out his final wrestling season in doubt. Younggreen has returned and improved to 8-0 after a major decision in the Mustangs’ State Duals quarterfinal win over Creston.

Decorah’s Naomi Simon capped her third straight undefeated season with a pin in the finals for the 170-pound title at the inaugural Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union state wrestling tournament.

Libby Dix would occasionally attended Mount Vernon wrestling practices with her dad, Justin, who was an assistant for the boys’ program. The seeds were planted for a blossoming career that led to the finals of the inaugural Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union state tournament Friday.

Cedar Rapids Prairie’s Mackenzie Childers became the Hawks’ and the Metro’s first Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union state finalist. The top-seeded sophoore reached the 125-pounds Friday at Xtream Arena in Coralville.

A closer look at Saturday’s Iowa high school boys’ state wrestling duals.

Four-time defending Class 2A state champions, the West Delaware Hawks will attempt to extend their streak at the IHSAA state duals wrestling tournament Saturday.

Chloe Sanders warmed up, watching teammates Bree Swenson and Ellie Weets earn their spot on the IGHSAU’s first state wrestling podium. She followed with her own win, giving the Vikings three semifinalists and securing her own medal.

The inaugural Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union state wrestling tournament occurred in front of a sold out crowd that was abuzz and frenzied throughout two sessions Thursday.

Jannell Avila, a senior at Iowa City West, has made her contributions to her family’s legacy. Plus more stories and results from Thursday’s first session of the Iowa high school girls’ state wrestling tournament.