Koethe looks to overturn heartbreaking state experiences

IOWA CITY -- He was on his way out after coming down too hard again.

Iowa City West's Justin Koethe was distraught and ready to do the unthinkable after experiencing the unimaginable as his quest for a state title was derailed by disqualification at the state tournament for the second straight year.

"To have that happen, to be honest, I had my shoes off," Koethe said about being called for an illegal slam and losing in the 2011 state semifinals. "I was walking out of the building. I felt like I can't do this.

"It was heartbreak, man. It's what you work for all your life and you just can't accomplish it."

The Trojans senior continued and placed third, earning his third state medal and helping West to a runner-up team finish. Koethe hopes to rebound from those disappointments to cap a successful career with a championship.

""It's been what I've wanted since I've been in high school," Koethe said. "It hasn't happened. Things haven't gone my way."

The way his title treks ended made them harder to swallow. Koethe had been one of the most dominant wrestlers in the state the last two seasons, but only had bronze medals from state to show for it. As a sophomore, Koethe was called for an illegal slam against Joey Trizzino of Bettendorf in the quarterfinals at 152. Trizzino did not continue and won by default. As a junior, Koethe advanced to the 160-pound semifinals against Sioux City East's Ethan Lara. Koethe had a commanding lead when he was penalized for an illegal slam again.

"He didn't want to compete anymore, and knew he had to for the team," West Coach Mark Reiland said. "It's part of the game. You can take a lot from somebody that can come back and win his next two matches after something like that. That's saying something about the kid and his toughness. He'll fight through things."

Koethe was on his way to the hotel to pass the time. He credited teammates Phillip Laux and Kegan Wakefield for having the most influence in returning after the loss. He gutted out two decisions to place third again. Koethe would have preferred getting dominated on the scoreboard as opposed to his last two downfalls at state.

"If I'm not going to win state, I'd rather it be that I get beat," Koethe said. "I would know it in my head and mind."

His greatest attribute as a wrestler may have caused him the most trouble when it mattered most. Koethe is explosive, but keeping it harnessed has been the issue. The key is to control it, but not eliminate it from his arsenal.

"It's something you don't want to hinder," Reiland said. "He's got to continue to compete the way he competes."

Technically, Koethe said he isn't the same wrestler from the previous two years. The top-ranked 160-pound senior has a 23-1 record, giving him 150 career wins after pinning his way to the finals of the Dvorak Wrestling tournament at Machesney Park, Ill. He has attempted to become more versatile in his offensive attacks, and not relying on his strength to muscle around opponents. He said West assistant and former University of Iowa national qualifier Chad Beatty has been an asset in practice and limits his power moves in competition.

"I'm hitting ankle picks, low ankles, double-legs, ducks and everything to try to change from one style to everything," said Koethe, who does have 17 falls including 13 in the first period. "Whatever's there I'll do."

The Trojans boasts five state finalists on their team, including state champions Laux, Dakota Bauer and Jack Hathaway. West has had a four-time state champion, wrestlers who have won more than one state crown and wrestlers who have moved on to earn all-America status at the NCAA Division I level. Koethe has yet to reach the state finals, but has three medals. His Cadet freestyle national title elevates him among the program's top competitors.

"That puts him on equal footing as far as credentials go," Reiland said.

Koethe, who has signed to wrestle for the University of Wisconsin, placed fourth as a freshman. He wrestled along side Hawkeyes Nick Moore and Derek St. John, receiving his knocks. He progressively got better, working to get takedowns against them before eventually beating them in practice. They were the leaders he looked up to and now he helps play that role, which is new to him.

"It's kind of weird, because we're filled with people who are really talented and good," Koethe said about three other Division I signees on the West team. "It's fun to be able to help somebody."

Reiland has noticed Koethe's effort, trying to the Trojans' leader. It might be a sign of growth off the mat.

"I think some of that stuff comes with maturity," Reiland said. "He knows he needs to help others on his team versus everything is about himself."

The goal isn't to soothe the sting from the past, but to capture what has eluded him. He is focused on a 3A state championship, which is the ultimate fuel for his fire.

"I think that's the motivation, not so much what has happened the last two years," Reiland said. "Although that probably plays a part in it, it's more he wants that state title."