Jefferson's Briggs watches son march toward podium

DES MOINES - Cedar Rapids Jefferson Coach Dick Briggs has coached 10 wrestlers to 11 state titles, more than 50 state medalists and 120 wrestlers at the state tournament.

His latest J-Hawk to earn a spot on the awards stand might be a little more special than the rest.

With a 6-2 consolation-round win over Dubuque Hempstead's Rees Hauder, Briggs' son, Kyle, secured a top-eight finish at 120 pounds of the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 3A state wrestling tournament Friday. The eighth-ranked sophomore can still place as high as third.

"I'm really proud of Kyle," said Dick Briggs, who is in his second season sharing co-head coaching duties with Matt Orton, who was his second state champion wrestler at Jefferson. "He's in one of the toughest weight classes. Anywhere on the stand is impressive."

The accomplishment failed to resonate with either after the victory. Kyle Briggs, who lost a quarterfinal to Bettendorf's Paul Glynn earlier, was upset about his performance, while the coach turned his attention to 145-pounder Tavian Rashed, trying to become the J-Hawks' first freshman medalist.

Kyle Briggs appreciates having his dad in the corner, sharing the experience. It sunk in while he cooled down away from the arena floor.

"It's awesome," Kyle Briggs said. "I love having him there. I wouldn't want anyone else."

Dick Briggs has coached for 36 years overall, including 34 as a prep head coach. He was at Cedar Rapids Washington for three seasons before returning to his alma mater the last 31. When he watches this J-Hawk climb the podium Saturday night, Dick Briggs admitted his chest will stick out a little further and his shirt buttons will be a little more strained.

It's a culmination of countless hours spent together over the last eight years of his son's competitions.

"I'm embracing the journey," Dick Briggs said. "Medals are his reward at the end. For me, it is the journey."

Kyle Briggs said his father has been his motivation and role model. They will have to find a spot at home to hang the new hardware, even if the color is to be determined.

"I've been looking for that medal for two years," Kyle Briggs said. "I finally got it. Now, I have to make it a good one."

Dick Briggs didn't celebrate immediately, devoting his time to console Rashed, who was eliminated after a tough 13-10 consolation bout. The two sat side-by-side in the tunnel away from most of the other competitors. Briggs was visibly emotional and showed some of the passion that has made him a top coach that gets the most from his wrestlers.

"Tavian is such a great kid," Briggs said. "He's a hard worker, he listens and doesn't question what we ask him to do. He's the kind of kid you want to have success."Briggs added, "It's an intimate sport. You get to know the wrestlers and families so well. I couldn't imagine coaching  any other sport."

Jefferson's top-ranked 106-pounder Brenden Baker lost a quarterfinal match to Fort Dodge's Triston Lara, 8-6, but rebounded with a 13-4 major decision over Davenport West's Travis Pulse, joining Kyle Briggs on the awards stand in his first state appearance.