Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Aidyn Roman claims district title, returns to state wrestling tournament

IOWA CITY – Leave no doubt.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Aidyn Roman repeated that to himself all week, reminding him of the approach needed for the postseason.

“I just I knew that the second that I step on the mat that I got to do what I’ve got to do to put myself where I want to be,” Roman said. “Last year, I didn't get it done. This year I was going to make sure it happened.”

Message received and mission accomplished. Roman avenged two previous losses, including a first-period pin over North Scott’s fourth-ranked Will McDermott in the finals, and captured the 138-pound title at the Class 3A boys wrestling district Saturday at Iowa City High.

He joined teammate Thayer Hagstrom (106) atop of the awards stand and was one of six Kennedy qualifiers for the state tournament Feb. 18-21 at Casey’s Center in Des Moines.

Roman picked the perfect time to strike varsity gold.

“This is a big win for me” Roman said. “My first ever district title and my first high school tournament title.”

Success was sweet for a couple reasons. Roman was a state qualifier two years ago but a loss in a district wrestleback prevented a return last year. The sting propelled him throughout the spring and summer.

“He knows what it's like down there and had to sit out last year,” Kennedy Coach Nick LeClere said. “I think that really drove him. He put in a lot of time in the offseason and went to a lot of tournaments and camps. It helps just getting older.”

In addition to the year hiatus from state, Roman had suffered losses to McDermott and had split with City High’s Malachi Clement in the same gym.

“After my win against Iowa City High, he was going to come right back at it,” Roman said. “I knew I had to do something big. I had lost to that North Scott kid earlier in the season. I knew I had to come out there, wrestle and just put my head down and grind.”

Roman built a 4-0 lead with a takedown in the first and used a third-period escaper to edge Clement in the semifinals to secure his state return. He took McDermott down to his back and pinned him in 1:35.

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“He's the type of kid that he wrestles a lot better when there's action,” LeClere said. “If he can create the action, he just has a natural feel for things.”

“His natural awareness of where he's at and is scrambling ability is phenomenal. I think that's what kind of won him the finals match. He created a scramble situation and he's very good at taking advantage of those situations. It worked out his favor this time.”

Roman will likely break down more film, like he did with his dad, Steffen, this week. He will continue to work hard in practice, getting the most of every second between now and Wednesday.

“I know that I can be on the podium this year,” said Roman, who is 34-10 and has won 10 of his last 13 bouts. “I know that it's going to take work, but I just have to believe in myself.”

Timmy Zachar also reached the finals for the Cougars. The sophomore 190-pounder earned a runner-up finish to advance to state with teammates Max Panosh (120), Grahm Burkert at 126 and heavyweight Anthony Keys.

“That's a heck of a lot better and we did last year,” LeClere said. “Last year we just had two. I'm never going to be fully satisfied until we get all 14. As cliché as that sounds, it's true, because I have a pit my stomach for a certain individuals that are just as deserving as anybody else to be down there. Sometimes things just don't work out you in your favor.”

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City High matched Kennedy’s six qualifiers but crowned three champions. Chase Williams (113), Zyaire Washpun at 132 and heavyweight Kane Willey all won titles. Clement, Jack Litton (106) and Jimmy Milder (144) also advanced.

“Like they say, it’s weddings and funerals,” City High Coach Cory Connell said. “We had underclassmen make it and do well. We had seniors with a great opportunity that aren’t making it, so I feel bad for them. I feel really good for the six kids that are making it.”

Cedar Rapids Jefferson 120-pounder Zayd Igram finished second and advanced to the state tournament.

Class 3A District

At Iowa City High

Team – 1. North Scott 211.5, 2. Ankeny Centennial 194, 3. C.R. Kennedy 151.5, 4. Iowa City High 149.5, 5. Newton 114.5, 6. Burlington 51.5, 7. C.R. Jefferson 47.5, 8. Davenport Central 25

State qualifiers

106 pounds – 1. Thayer Hagstrom (CRK), 2. Brenden Harless (AC), 3. Jack Litton (ICH); 113 – 1. Chase Williams (ICH), 2. Cole Bruck (NS), 3. Cameron Moeckly (AC); 120 – 1. Kent Montgomery (New), 2. Zayd Igram (CRJ), 3. Max Panosh (CRK); 126 – 1. Cale Vandermark (AC), 2. Matthew Williams (NS), 3. Grahm Burkert (CRK); 132 – 1. Zyaire Washpun (ICH), 2. Will Sloan (Ankeny Centennial), 3. Roy Brown (Bur); 138 – 1. Aidyn Roman (CRK), 2. Malachi Clement (ICH), 3. Will McDermott (NS); 144 – 1. Ethan Sodergren (AC), 2. Collin Kruse (NS), 3. Jimmy Milder (ICH); 150 – 1. Zach Green (NS), 2. Aiden Robson (New), 3. Kaden Conley (AC); 157 – 1. Ben Lightle (NS), 2. Brogan Ganshert (DC), 3. Dean Landis (AC); 165 – 1. Cole Green (NS), 2. Lane Rozendaal (New), 3. Ben Rotert (AC); 175 – 1. Maximus Dhabolt (AC), 2. Kepler Carmichael (NS), 3. Adrian Perez-Hall (Bur); 190 – 1. Owen DiFrederico (Bur), 2. Timmy Zachar (CRK), 3. Kade Kelly (NS); 215 – 1. Trey Feist (NS), 2. Brandon Bogseth (AC), 3. Nick Milburn (New); 285 – 1. Kane Willey (ICH), 2. Bryce Stewart (NS), 3. Anthony Keys (CRK)

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