Iowa high school girls’ wrestling ready for season No. 2

With the newness worn off and the foundation built, it’s time for the second year of sanctioned girls’ high school wrestling to begin.

Last season was a new experience for many, but also brings a different kind of excitement to this season.

“Last year, everything was new to all of us,” said Cedar Rapids Prairie Coach Zach Becicka. “We worked together toward our goals and it turned out well.

“Many of us are back and excited to hit the ground running.”

Becicka and the Hawks aren’t the only ones excited to hit the ground running. Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union associate director and wrestling administrator Erin Gerlich enjoys seeing the continued growth of girls’ wrestling.

“I’m mostly looking forward to new programs joining the list of competing schools this year,” Gerlich said. “The IGHSAU is expecting over 200 programs and 3,000 wrestlers in grades 9-12 this year.”

Teams to watch

The Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association ranked defending state champion Waverly-Shell Rock in the top spot, with Decorah in second and East Buchanan in third.

Decorah brings back seven of its 10 qualifiers from last season and will be led by three-time and defending state champion Naomi Simon at 170 pounds. Additional returning state placewinners for the Vikings are Lauren Luzum and Kamryn Steines.

East Buchanan looks to build off its state runner-up finish from last season with returning state placewinners Destiny Krum (fifth at 130), Andelyn Cabalka (fifth at 140) and Brooklyn Graham (fifth at 170), and their lone senior Alyson Krum (sixth at 190).

“Our girls are ready to get back on the mat and continue to improve,” said Kendra Burchett, one of East Buchanan’s coaches. “We have some high team and individual goals set for this year.”

Vinton-Shellsburg cracked the rankings in the No. 12 spot and will be led by state runners-up Bree Swenson and Chloe Sanders, in addition to fellow state placer Ellie Weets, who finished in fifth at 115 pounds. The Vikings are coming off a second-place finish in the Wamac Conference and eighth-place team finish at state.

“We have high goals set to improve those placings and plan to work hard every day to get there,” said head coach Brandt Corcran.

Another team to keep an eye on is Cedar Rapids Xavier. This is the Saints’ inaugural season under the direction of Coach Henry Reicks. The Saints had 10 girls report for the first week of practice, and Reicks is thrilled about the historical season.

“I’m very excited to be a part of making history at Xavier High School along with the girls that have courageously stepped forward to participate in our inaugural season,” Reicks said. “My goal for our girls this season is to help them build self confidence in themselves and in their abilities, not only on the wrestling mat, but also in all aspects of their lives.”

Wrestlers to watch

Jillian Worthen, jr., Union Community — Worthen comes into her junior season ranked No. 1 at 115 pounds with two state titles (2022 IWCOA, 2023 IGHSAU) and coming off a 23-0 season.

Mackenzie Childers, jr., Cedar Rapids Prairie — Childers won the title at 125 pounds last season with a 44-0 record and enters this season in the top spot at 125.

Lyni Gusick, soph., Alburnett — Gusick will be competing for the Pirates this season after wrestling with Center Point-Urbana last year, when she finished in fourth at 130. She’s ranked No. 2 at 130 pounds.

Maeley Elsbury, sr, South Tama — Elsbury comes into her senior campaign ranked No. 1 at 135 pounds and looks to defend her state title from a year ago.

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Emma Peach, jr., Iowa City West — Peach is switching singlets this season, wrestling at Iowa City West and is coming off her second-straight title and 34-0 record at Iowa Valley. She’s ranked No. 1 at 145.

Libby Dix, jr., Mount Vernon — Dix is ranked No. 2 at 170 pounds, after finishing as a state runner-up to Simon of Decorah last season, ending with a 37-1 record.

Competitions to watch

New this year, the Battle of Waterloo will add a third day to its tournament (Dec. 14) for a girls’ division that features 24 teams, including area teams East Buchanan, Independence, Linn-Mar, Prairie, Vinton-Shellsburg and West Delaware.

Gerlich also confirmed the host sites for the IGHSAU’s Super Regionals on Jan. 26, will include Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids. Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, and the field house at Mason City High School will be the other sites. Official assignments will be released in late December.

The IGHSAU state tournament will once again be held at Xtream Arena in Coralville on Feb. 1-2, 2024.