HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Senior Night special for Mustang wrestler

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By Ashley Ruden, Mount Vernon senior

MOUNT VERNON - This was a night to remember.Mount Vernon took on Solon and Benton Community on Jan. 30 in the senior's  last home team dual.

Senior Jacob Steele, the student assistant coach who has Down Syndrome, wrestled his last match against assistant coach Greg Murphy. Steele pinned Murphy late in the second period. The crowd went wild with everyone in the gym on their feet cheering and clapping for Steele.Steele jumped up and down in excitement.

'It felt really good to win," he said. "It was exciting.'

'We knew Jacob was pretty good and really wanted him to showcase his talents in a real match,' said assistant coach Kyle Jaspers.

Steele did not take a test required by the Iowa High School Athletic Association  to compete in a high school match.

'Knowing this, coach Murphy and myself said that we should have him wrestle an exhibition match against one of the coaches,' Jaspers said.

Senior night was exciting, but as senior Eric Dunford said, 'It's bittersweet.'

It is difficult ending a sporting career.The Mustangs dominated the Bobcats, 64-10, and also topped Solon in a tight match, 36-28.

'This senior class has done a lot for our program," assistant Aaron Truitt said. "Three state medals, five state tournaments, 54 dual meet wins and 500 matches won.'