Mission accomplished: Union’s Thomsen wins fourth state title in Class 2A

DES MOINES — Max Thomsen soaked in each moment, knowing what he achieved isn't something that comes around too often.

When the 145-pound Union senior stood in the center the mat, his hand held to the sky, the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment started to hit him. Wells Fargo Arena was on its feet for Thomsen as the 24th four-time state champion in Iowa history took it all in.

'I feel like I've got a weight lifted off my shoulders now,' Thomsen said. 'It's just a mission accomplished.'

A 3-0 decision against Caleb Coleman of Bondurant-Farrar capped off the perfect season for Thomsen at 56-0, and gave him his 210th prep win. Thomsen didn't record a point until an escape in the second period and got a takedown in the third as he tried to get Coleman within his reach.

'A lot of kids come out there and wrestle me not to get blown out,' Thomsen said. 'I've just got to stay in good position and keep stalking and I did. I could have attacked a little more, but I'm just glad I got the job done.'

Thomsen tried to not put too much extra thought into the championship match when he was at his hotel the night before, and wanted to stay as even-keeled as possible. Although Thomsen said he didn't feel much pressure entering the title match, Union coach Pat Hogan could certainly tell a weight was lifted off his shoulders.

'I know it means a lot to him,' Hogan said. 'People see that and kids see that and they look up to that.'

Behind Thomsen's win and 170-pounder Jacob Holschlag's repeat as a state champion, Union finished in a tie for second. Mediapolis took the team crown with 89 points and Union tied with Creston-OM for second with 86.

Holschlag locked up his second-straight championship with a 9-1 major decision against Nick Baumler of North Fayette Valley. Union sophomore Derek Holschlag was runner up at 113 pounds, and Hogan gave much of the credit to the strong senior leadership he has enjoyed all season.

'When you've got kids like that that are motivated, they know what needs to be done, a lot of it takes care of itself,' Hogan said. 'As a coach, it's rewarding.'

Independence 152-pound top-ranked senior Chase Straw captured his first state title with a pin against Tristan Johnson of Osage in 3:40. After hugging his coaches, Straw hopped over the barrier of the stands and embraced his family.

'It really hasn't sunk in yet,' Straw said. 'I just kind of brainwashed myself saying it was just another match, but really it's not. It's the state finals. It's unreal right now.'

Center Point-Urbana junior Brock Rathbun won the 120-pound championship against Brayden Curry of Sergeant Bluff-Luton 10-3, earning his second-straight title.

'I grew up watching these kind of kids thinking I wanted to be one of those that won more than once,' Rathbun said.

West Delaware senior Brent Lammers was runner up at 182 pounds after falling to Joe Teague of Algona in 5:13. Washington senior Bryce Skubal also earned a runner up finish. Skubal lost a 9-2 decision to Steven Holloway of Mediapolis in the 195-pound championship match.