Big guys make big impact

The National Federation of State High School Associations changed the weight classes for this season, and it worked out well for West Delaware.

The Hawks are the second seed in the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 2A State Duals tournament Wednesday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, starting at 9 a.m.

Last year, West Delaware had a logjam of heavier talent. They were able to spread out with the changes that altered the classes, removing a middle weight for a heavier one.

The Hawks (20-4) have eight ranked wrestlers including top-ranked 195-pounder Adam Reth, Jacyn Goebel (182), Sam Lahr (170) and heavyweight Dean Broghammer, who are all ranked fourth. Add state qualifiers Spencer Oberbroeckling at 220, 160-pounder Nolan Zumbach and Jake Voss, ranked fourth at 152, and you have a tough upperweight lineup for any dual.

"I think it benefits us because our kids have worked hard in the upper weights," Voss said. "It's not like they were just given a berth at the state tournament because we could fill the weight classes. They worked hard to do well and they have."

The Hawks are looking for their first state duals title since winning the Class 2A crown in 1991 and first finals appearance since being the 3A runner-up in 2003. Davenport Assumption (28-1) is the top seed, while Denver-Tripoli (17-3) is the third. Assumption and Denver-Tripoli have won the last two 2A State Duals titles.

"I don't think we ever have been the second-seed," Voss said. "The year we took second we were the eighth seed, so I don't think seeding matters really, especially in this one."

West Delaware opens with No. 7 Spirit Lake Park (16-6) in the quarterfinals.

"I think our first dual is going to be tough," said Voss, noting the Indians had open weights before some starters returned for the regional dual. "Now they have a full lineup."