K.J. Pilcher

Iowa almost had to can a weekend competition when Oregon State’s travel issues prevented them from making Iowa City. On short notice, the Black Knights agreed to face the defending national champions.

Tate Naaktgeboren captured the 160-pound state title last season. The top-ranked junior will attempt to become Linn-Mar’s third wrestler to win multiple state crowns.

Eight Gazette-area teams to watch during the 2021-22 Iowa high school wrestling season. West Delaware swept Class 2A state titles last season and is a contender both again this year.

The Gazette highlighted wrestlers to watch for the 2021-22 high school wrestling season. The list includes 13 state champions and four more state finalists.

Social media followers offered some questions about the 2021-22 high school wrestling season and The Gazette provided the answers.

Redshirt freshman Jesse Ybarra made his home debut in top-ranked Iowa’s 36-7 victory over Army on Sunday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

After an uncharacteristic upset, Iowa heavyweight awaits his next chance to compete. The top-ranked Hawkeyes host Army on Sunday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Iowa Coach Tom Brands said that Spencer Lee remains day-to-day and that no timetable has been set for his return to top-ranked Iowa’s lineup.

Clarissa Chun was announced as Iowa’s first women’s wrestling coach Thursday. In 48 hours, she attended a social, a tailgate and received huge ovations at wrestling and football events.

Former Lisbon prep Cobe Siebrecht posted a first-period technical fall in his dual debut for top-ranked Iowa. The Hawkeyes won seven matches and dropped No. 21 Princeton, 32-12.

Clarissa Chun’s resume, passion and excitement made her a perfect hire to lead the first NCAA Division I Power-5 women’s wrestling program.

No. 3 Lewis Central beat second-ranked Cedar Rapids Xavier in a three-overtime Class 4A state football championship game.

Abe Assad did not compete last season. He was hampered by injury and Nelson Brands was the full-time starter. Assad is listed at 184 for the Hawkeyes’ opener against Princeton Friday. It would be his first home dual since Jan. 31, 2020.

The search for Iowa’s first women’s wrestling coach is finished. Clarissa Chun will lead the Hawkeyes’ women’s wrestling program. She is an Olympic bronze medalist and recent USA Wrestling women’s team coach.

Jeff Johnson, Jeff Linder and K.J. Pilcher preview all seven Iowa high school state football championship games on the Prep Football Huddle.