Alburnett wins first TRC title; German first Pirate to win four titles

Alburnett Coach Kane Thompson said he likes to challenge each incoming class to do something the previous ones haven't achieved, but his list is shrinking.The fifth-ranked Pirates continue to elevate the program to new heights, winning the school's first Tri-Rivers Conference team title and crowning its first four-time conference champion Saturday at East Buchanan High School in Winthrop.“We stress every day that we want to do something that hasn't been done,” Thompson said. “We make sure they have a lot of goals that they can be looking at to try to reach.”Alburnett earned its first state trophy last year, placing third behind state champions Tyler Shulista and Christopher Halblom. The Pirates continued their success. They advanced eight wrestlers to the finals, winning six championships including 140-pounder Alex German, who claimed his fourth TRC title. The Pirates scored 229 1/2 points, 48 ahead of runner-up East Buchanan.The Pirates have a full lineup with more balance this year, helping produce solid rounds throughout Saturday's tournament. Thompson said the team didn't suffer a bad round all day. A conference crown has been a major goal for this team, which have improved from 12-12 in duals last year to a 21-3 current mark.“On the whiteboard (in our practice room) where we set team goals and check them off as they happen, conference was one the boys really wanted to get,” Thompson said. “They had their eye on that one.”Shulista (119) and Halblom (125), who are both ranked No.1, German (140), Colton Martin (130), Dylan Windfield (145) and Sam Bowers (189) each won titles. Zach Fowler (103) and Grant Henderson (135) were also finalists for the Pirates.“Winning the school's first title was something we could all share,” German said. “Every year it's been a couple people winning and leaving with their heads held high … We're all champions this year.”German pinned East Buchanan's Travis Johnson in the finals, giving him titles at 140, 135, 119 and 103. The feat was special for German (35-4), who was a state qualifier last year.“It's really cool since we've had some really good people in the past,” said German, noting the Pirates' state finalist Dale Handley. “People who have placed really high at state and it's cool to be up with them.”Thompson said German has progressed immensely since his freshman year, starting “green” and becoming more of a complete wrestler with offseason wrestling, lifting and running.“As a junior, he spent a lot of time in the offseason developing some more offense,” Thompson said. “he had a really good year last year and this year … he's been having a great season.”Revenge is best served cold and in February. German avenged a loss in the Tri-Rivers finals his freshman season, and stands out among the others.“I was the underdog in that one,” German said. “it was against a kid I lost mt first match to and I came back and beat him.”Not only did German remain perfect in conference tournament matches, but he's been a dominant force on his way to winning them. German has pinned his way through all four TRC brackets. He was surprised to find out after the last fall.“I didn't realize I did until I won this year,” German said. “My coach checked the records.”German has gained a reputation for being a pinner and is dangerous in all three positions. Thompson said he constantly looks to put people on their back regardless of the time or score.“He'll pin people from anywhere,” said Thompson, saying German once trailed a New London foe by 14 points before winning by fall. “From his feet, he'll take you straight to your back. He's really good on top.“He wants to roll around and catch you from underneath and try to put you on your back that way.”Conference titles are one thing, but German is hoping to cap his career with a state tournament medal before continuing his wrestling career at Coe or studying veterinarian medicine at Iowa State. He also wants to help the Pirates win a state title and make their first trip to State Duals.“For me, the goal is placing at state,” German said. “For the team, hopefully winning the team title and doing well at team duals.”Alburnett hosts a Class 1A sectional meet Saturday, starting at noon.