K.J. Pilcher

Linn-Mar’s Brayden Parke, the fourth-ranked 126-pounder, used a third-period escape to edge Iowa City High’s No. 7 Kael Kurtz. He notched one of the Lions’ nine wins in a dual victory over the Little Hawks.

Iowa wrestling coach Tom Brands calls Max Murin “a warrior in every sense of the word.” The All-American developed that mentality and toughness growing up in Pennsylvania.

The Gazette's K.J. Pilcher and Hall of Fame coach Dick Briggs discuss the Hawkeyes’ situation at 133 and the weekend in wrestling on the Pinning Combination, a podcast about all things wrestling in Iowa.

West Delaware originally was set to compete in Perry, but when that fell through the scrambling to find a replacement tournament began. Marion opened the door and West Delaware made itself right at home, winning the team title.

Iowa’s third-ranked Austin DeSanto has not wrestled since Jan. 7. Redshirt freshman Cullan Schrieved used his year of eligibility, stepping in the lineup for last weekend’s Illinois road trip. Now, both are options at 133.

Cedar Rapids Jefferson wrestling coaches and administrators wanted to honor the late Wyatt Schultz, The Predicament owner and editor. They named the Outstanding Wrestler award for the J-Hawk Invitational after him.

Former Illinois preps Abe Assad, Jacob Warner and Tony Cassioppi added the final exclamation mark on top-ranked Iowa wrestling’s 36-3 win at No. 15 Illinois, completing the weekend sweep through the state.

Alburnett freshman Rowdy Neighbor demonstrated his rough and ready side, dominating his way to the 106-pound title and joining teammate Carson Klostermann as champion at Cedar Rapids Jefferson’s J-Hawk Invitational. Iowa City High’s Ben Kueter earned the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler award.

Linn-Mar Coach Coach Doug Streicher preaches being physical and aggressive. The Lions demonstrated that very brand of wrestling in a 50-17 dual victory at Cedar Rapids Prairie.

Drake Ayala jumped into Iowa wrestling lineup last week and is expected to face his third straight top-10 ranked foe when the top-ranked Hawkeyes face Northwestern on Friday.

Alburnett is coming off its second team title this wrestling season. Talented freshmen have meshed with a good nucleus of returners for more success.

The Pinning Combination podcast brings you weekend takeaways from college and high school wrestling in Iowa, including Drake Ayala impressing, Michael Kemerer returning, Wyatt Voelker dominating and more.

Wrestling Weekend That Was: Iowa fans can visit Spencer Lee’s Twitter account for an update he posted Friday, discussing his knee surgeries, Grand View extends its national dual title streak, Big debuts in college wrestling and high school powers dominate.

Freshman Drake Ayala removed his redshirt Friday. In just his second official bout as a Hawkeye, he scored two takedowns to beat Purdue’s fifth-ranked Devin Schroder, 6-1, Sunday.

The pressure from West Delaware’s Wyatt Voelker causes his opponents to wilt, leading to lots of fun for the top-ranked defending state champion. His approach was on display Saturday at the Benton Community Bobcat Jerry Eckenrod Invitational.