K.J. Pilcher

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.

This week’s episode of the Pinning Combination podcast with K.J. Pilcher and coach Dick Briggs looks ahead to a big weekend of Iowa high school wrestling, previewing regional tournaments for the girls and conference tournaments for the boys.

This week’s episode of the Pinning Combination podcast with The Gazette’s Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs features takeaways from No. 2 Iowa’s dual loss at No. 1 Penn State and the folkstyle-freestyle debate.

A closer look at the 2023 Iowa high school girls’ state wrestling tournament, including wrestlers to watch and predictions for individual and team champions.

Union wrestler Jillian Worthen has validated the “Monster” moniker her dad tagged her with and even embraced it. After all, it serves as an apt description of her intensity and competitiveness.

Dubuque Hempstead recorded five pins and avoided bonus points in the final bout for a 36-34 victory over No. 7 Linn-Mar. The Mustangs earned their third state duals berth and first since 2018.

Girls’ wrestling hit the postseason. There were conference tournament results. Iowa State and UNI turned Oklahoma programs away with just one dual win. Here is the Wrestling Weekend That Was.

Lisbon finds itself in an uncommon and unique situation. Seventh-ranked Lisbon will host No. 24 Pleasantville in a regional dual semifinal Tuesday night at Lisbon. The winner advances to face No. 5 Wapsie Valley in the final immediately following with a state duals berth on the line.

West Delaware sophomore Brent Yonkovic moved up a weight and claimed the 160-pound title, helping the Hawks win their sixth straight Wamac Conference team title.

Linn-Mar crowned a tournament high four champions and advanced six to the inaugural IGHSAU state wrestling tournament Feb. 2-3 at Xtream Arena in Coralville.

East Buchanan advanced six to the finals at the Region 6 girls’ wrestling tournament Friday at Alliant Energy PowerHouse. The six finalists are automatic qualifiers for the first IGHSAU state tournament.

Cedar Rapids Washington received pins from heavyweight Alex Taylor and Sam Brennan at 106. Senior Brennan Geers added a decision to secure the Warriors’ 42-34 dual win over Cedar Rapids Kennedy.

Eight regionals at four sites will serve as the inaugural IGHSAU state wrestling qualifiers. The Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids and Luther College in Decorah will join Des Moines and Sioux City as hosts.