Alburnett returns to the Class 1A State Duals finals for first time since 2016

CORALVILLE – Alburnett Coach Clayton Rush knew exactly how long it had been since the boys’ wrestling program competed for a state duals title.

“Eight years,” Rush said. “Not that I’m counting.”

He certainly emitted a vibe that it been way too long for his likely. The good thing is the drought ended.

Top-ranked Alburnett won 10 matches, including eight in a row, and thumped No. 5 Nashua-Plainfield, 47-21, in the Class 1A semifinals of the State Duals tournament Saturday at Xtream Arena. The Pirates wrestled for a championship for the first time since 2016.

“Putting Alburnett back on the map,” Alburnett 120-pounder Rowdy Neighbor said. “Being the top dog is where we want to be. I think we’re going in the right direction.”

A movement that started when the current wrestlers were in elementary and middle school. Coincidentally, that was close to the time the Pirates won their last duals title.

“It’s one of the coolest things,” Alburnett 150-pounder Reece Klostermann said. “We all grew up wrestling together. It’s what we dreamed of as a kid.”

The victory over the Huskies soothed the sting of last year’s semifinal loss to Wilton. Klostermann said Rush never mentioned that, but at least one wrestler held on to that memory.

“I definitely had it in the back of my mind,” Klostermann said. “I knew we had to get it back.”

The program has been propelled by a strong junior class. They have been at the heart of the resurgence as a 1A contender. They demonstrated their grit and coachable attitude in the semifinals.

“They put a lot of extra time into me,” Rush said. “I think it’s because I put a lot of extra time into them on and off the mat.

“They’re an ornery group and it started in eighth grade. I tried to hone them in and helped direct it along the way. They know I’m invested in them and they give it right back.”

Alburnett opened with a 56-18 win over No. 8 Wapsie Valley, but they found themselves in an early 10-0 hole after two matches with Nashua-Plainfield.

Emmitt Fleshman (285) and 106-pounder Atlee Dewitt posted back-to-back pins to put the Pirates up by two. The Huskies received a technical fall from Nic Brase at 113, giving them a 15-12 lead. It was the last time the Pirates trailed.

Neighbor, a returning state finalist and ranked second, took the mat against returning state champion and top-ranked Jayden Rinken at 120 pounds. Neighbor edged Rinken for a 2-1 decision.

“It was a big confidence booster,” Neighbor said. “Keep building momentum with my team.”

Rush said it was it was a marquee match. It also ended up being a fulcrum the result teetered on, sparking the rest of the Pirates.

“That’s a high-level match,” Rush said. “Anytime you win matches like that, it’s a confidence and energy booster.”

Tayten Coufal followed with a major at 126, Cooper Klostermann (132) and Preston Klostermann (138) added pins, Reece Klostermann won by major and Hunter Sauer’s pin ended the hot streak. Reece Klostermann won his 100th career win, joining teammates Neighbor, Dawson Becker and Preston Klostermann.

“It’s pretty cool, especially since it was in the semifinals,” Reece Klostermann said. “I’m just glad I hit it because all my buddies also hit it this year.”

While Alburnett and its finals opponent Don Bosco aren’t new to the State Duals, sixth-seeded Jesup was. The J-Hawks made their debut at the team championship event, placing fifth.

“We’ve had a heck of a year,” Jesup Coach Matt Gross said. “This has been building for the last four or five years.”

Wrestlers began to work out year-round. First it was a small group that were dedicated but then others began to join them. The progress is noticeable.

“We have a group of about six seniors that really dove in and built something great,” Gross said. “I think we went 1-16 or 2-15 their eighth grade and freshmen years.”

Jesup hosted and beat State Duals stalwart Lisbon to qualify. They dropped the quarterfinal dual to Don Bosco, but notched wins over Hinton and Wapsie Valley by identical 45-27 scores.

The J-Hawks finished 23-2, setting a new season record for dual wins.

“We feel this is going to be the new standard for us,” Gross said. “I’m really proud of all the seniors and all the kids on the team. They’ve really pushed themselves. They know if you want to be here you have to work hard.

“It’s great. This is awesome. Only eight (1A) teams in the state get to do it. What a special time and have a fun Saturday?”

In 2A, the Wamac experienced a tough day. Only No. 6 Independence wrestled to its seed. Second-seeded Mount Vernon reached the semifinals for the second straight year, but fell to No. 3 Creston, 44-24. Fourth-ranked West Delaware lost its first two duals before beating Algona, 46-16, for seventh.

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