Dedication shows for Prairie’s Dylan Munson in Class 3A district wrestling tournament

CEDAR RAPIDS — Oh, what a difference a year can make.

A year ago, Cedar Rapids Prairie’s Dylan Munson reflected on his disappointment at placing fifth and having his wrestling season come to a close. He didn’t want to experience that feeling again so he dedicated himself in the offseason.

“I worked harder in the practice room to get better,” Munson said. “I feel it was definitely worth it.”

Munson parlayed that effort into a no-doubt performance at the Class 3A district tournament Saturday at Cedar Rapids Jefferson. He was one of two Hawks champions, pinning his way through the 106-pound bracket and advancing to the state wrestling tournament Feb. 15-18 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

“It is a big jump from last year,” Munson said. “It really shows the improvement that I made.”

Prairie Coach Derrick Ball said Munson doesn’t miss a workout, whether it is for high school or wrestling club. He has reaped the rewards to the devotion in and out of the varsity season.

“He trains hard,” Ball said. “He’s at every open mat and everything we do. He leads by example. Kids see the way he competes and respond to it well.”

Munson was dominant, allowing only escapes in the semifinals and finals. He tallied six takedowns and built a 12-4 lead before pinning Cedar Rapids Washington’s Brennan Geers in 4:26 for the title.

“He’s really good at scrambling,” Munson said of Geers. “I had to get to the pin from my takedowns. It was better to work in and get points early.”

Work isn’t finished. Munson has his sights set on the state podium in a week. He isn’t satisfied with just making it to state.

“I’m hoping to get all the way to the finals,” Munson said. “Things can happen. I just want to do my best.”

Prairie sends 10 to state wrestling

Prairie’s two-time state finalist Blake Gioimo also won a title. Gioimo defeated Waverly-Shell Rock’s Alex Hornyak, 9-5, in the final. The fourth-ranked Gioimo used a takedown and tilt for three nearfall in a six-point third period.

They were joined in the finals by Alex Bumba (126), Tyler Lee (132), Wyatt Vlasek at 138 and heavyweight Carter Dawley. The Hawks finished second in the team race with 178 points and advanced 10 to the state tournament.

“We had a good day but we left two out there,” Ball said. “If you can walk out of here with 10 guys, then that is good, but we aren’t done yet.

“We want to get some (state) medals. I’m excited to see our guys compete there.”

Washington’s Isaiah Price finishes strong to advance

Cedar Rapids Washington’s Isaiah Price has thrived in his final season. The Warriors’ 126-pounder transferred from Wapsie Valley last season but that postseason ended early with a close loss to the No. 2 seed in the opening round.

Not only did he cap his high school career with a trip to Des Moines but it was done with a district title. Price defeated Bumba, 10-5, in the final.

Resilience and mental toughness has improved from a year ago and even earlier this season. He was unfazed when he gave up the opening takedown and when Bumba took a 5-4 lead in the second with another takedown.

“His problem has always been believing in himself,” Washington Coach J.P. Graham said. “He’s learned to be patient while still being aggressive. Now, he’s patient and capitalizes on his opportunities.”

Price scored the final six points, tying with an escape before the third. He was able to break things open with a cradle for four points in the last frame.

Graham said Price used to get in trouble during matches, using big moves to impress teammates and coaches. Price is more fundamentally sound, using his penchant for flashy moves when the moment allows. The results have reflected that the last half of the season.

“He’s sticking to the basics and has had success,” said Graham, who also coached 170 finalist Wyatt Young. “Once he’s gotten his conditioning together he has done a good job. He’s been on a tear.”

Waverly-Shell Rock dominates

Waverly-Shell Rock dominated the field, crowning 10 champions and advancing 12 to the state tournament. The Go-Hawks scored 279 1/2 points for the team title.

Clear Creek Amana placed third with 149 points and qualified eight wrestlers. Beck Arant (145), Kaden Phan (182) and 195-pounder Ethan Williams reached the finals for the Clippers.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Marion matched Washington with three total qualifiers. The Cougars were led by finalists Colin Falck (160) and 220-pounder Asher Smith. Jefferson’s Colin Woods was third at 220, giving the J-Hawks a state qualifier.

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