Iowa boys’ state wrestling notes: Jeff Voss finishes successful coaching career at West Delaware

DES MOINES — Jeff Voss guffawed when he heard the length of his career out loud.

He’s been coaching wrestling for more than three decades overall, including 30 years as a head coach with the last 29 at West Delaware.

“It puts it in perspective a little bit, doesn’t it?” Voss said with a smile. “It’s been real good.”

Voss’ successful tenure as the Hawks’ head coach concluded when he cornered 175-pounder Brent Yonkovic in the third-place match of the Class 2A state wrestling tournament Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena.

Voss decided earlier this season that it would be his last, stepping down from his coaching and teaching duties after the school year.

“I think the program is in great shape,” Voss said. “We’ve got a young team that’s performing really well and there’s a lot of good thing coming. The time just felt right to turn it over to somebody.”

Senior Brayden Maury, who placed sixth at 120 pounds, and Yonkovic were his final two placewinners. They are among 82 wrestlers to win 98 state medals. Yonkovic sent him out with a win.

“That was a lot of pressure to think about that,” Yonkovic said. “I just flushed it out. Went out there and wrestled how I’ve been wrestling. Just let things fly.

“He’s awesome. I love him as a coach. I love him as a person, in general. He’s done a lot for me and has always been in my corner.”

Yonkovic completed a rebound from Friday’s semifinal loss. He was able to regroup from the disappointment with a pin and major decision for bronze.

“I told him coming in that I thought he was one of the top-two kids at that weight,” Voss said. “I think he proved that. That was a great way for him to finish it.”

Voss served as an assistant at West Delaware for four seasons and cut his teeth as a head coach for one year at Monticello. Voss returned to West Delaware for the 1995-96 season. The Hawks soared under his guidance, winning seven overall state championships — four state duals crowns and three traditional tournament team titles. West Delaware swept gold under him in 2019 and 2021.

“West Delaware is a pretty special place,” said Voss, who became just the eighth Iowa high school coach to surpass 500 dual wins in January. “To spend most of it there, it’s a good thing. There is a lot of good people around me that helped us get the program to where it’s at. They say it takes a village and West Delaware has a good village.”

Eleven Hawks have combined to win 13 individual state titles for Voss. Current University of Northern Iowa 197-pounder Wyatt Voelker and current West Delaware assistant Adam Reth were two-time champions. Voss has coached 21 total state finalists.

Nathan Vaske won the 2A 130-pound title in 2009. He coached in the corner next to Voss for that last bout Saturday. He is one of five former Hawks on staff. Vaske said that Voss has focused on developing every wrestler instead of an elite few. He said Voss has spent countless hours working with youth wrestlers and attending Sunday tournaments after a varsity tournament Saturday.

“The time aspect is underrated and overlooked,” Vaske said.” Obviously, the program we have is because of the time he’s put into his people.

“It’s never been or will be about Coach Voss to him. To us, we understand what he’s done and what he’s meant to this program. We hate to see him go but we’re excited for what’s next.”

Don’t be mistaken. Voss plans to stay near the program and will be a resource for his replacement.

“Wherever they need me, that’s what I’ll do,” Voss said. “I’m excited about that because I think there are a lot of good things ahead of West Delaware wrestling.”

Cody Fox earns 4th medal

East Buchanan heavyweight Cody Fox capped his high school wrestling career with a fourth-place finish in the Class 1A state tournament Saturday. The performance yielded his fourth state medal, making him the first Buccaneer to accomplish the feat.

“Becoming the first East Buchanan four-time placewinner is a huge accomplishment,” East Buchanan Coach Brent Lenox said. “From battling injuries and sickness to coming in as a freshman heavyweight and placing every year, it is a testament to his commitment and drive. He is a great role model for all the kids at East Buchanan to look up to.”

Fox matched his best finish, placing fourth as a sophomore as well. He was sixth last season and seventh as a junior. Fox compiled a 137-15 career record.

Fox is an all-state lineman and rated as a 4-star recruit by 247sports. He has signed to play football for the Hawkeyes. Iowa is getting a talented athlete with a strong work ethic and understanding of leverage.

“Cody is willing to be coached to a high standard,” Lenox said. “His drive to put in extra time for perfection are key qualities that are going to help him be successful for the University of Iowa football.”

Jason Christenson inducted into Hall of Fame

Anamosa native Jason Christenson was one of six men inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Wrestling Hall of Fame this year. He joined four-time state champions Cory Clark (Southeast Polk), unbeaten John Meeks (Des Moines Roosevelt), Brandon Sorensen (Denver-Tripoli) and Jake Marlin (Creston) and former New London Coach Mark Chiri.

Christenson wrestled for his father, Denny Christenson, in high school. The pair is one of two father-son combos to win state titles. Jason Christenson coached at Collins-Maxwell-Baxter and Oskaloosa before turning Southeast Polk into an annual power from 2001-20. He tallied four traditional tournament team titles and five state duals crowns. He coached 25 state champions and 186 state qualifiers, helping the Rams to nine straight trophies. Jason Christenson posted a 482-106-6 career dual record.

Clark, who wrestled for Christenson, won titles from 2009-12 before winning an NCAA title and earning four All-America honors for Iowa.

Sorensen won titles from 2010-13. He finished with a 208-3 high school record. Sorensen also wrestled for Iowa, becoming a four-time All-American and NCAA finalist with a 127-17 career mark for the Hawkeyes.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com