State tournament notes: Wenger handles nerves and opponent

By K.J. Pilcher and Rob Gray

DES MOINES - Cedar Rapids Prairie's Josh Wenger has wrestled in plenty of big tournaments throughout his wrestling career.

None of those competitions prepared him for this event.

The Hawks third-ranked 113-pound freshman tamed the butterflies and then tamed his first-round foe in the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 3A state tournament Thursday at Wells Fargo Arena.

"I was so nervous," Wenger said. "I knew I couldn't look up in the stands. Seeing all those people was kind of scary in some way.”

The atmosphere, intensity and fields can overwhelm the most experienced wrestler. Wenger was able to compose himself before decking Sioux City North's Dalton Hanson in 5 minutes, 16 seconds.

“I had to sit down by myself, think about it and take a couple deep breaths,” Wenger said. “It was my chance and I had to go do it.”

Wenger, who claims he is most at ease on a wrestling mat, was part of the second wave of matches for the opening round. The quick call prevented the nerves to resurface. He was able to warmup, jump around and get to work quickly. Once he placed on his ankles, he was ready to improve his mark to 43-4.

“I feel a lot more comfortable now,” Wenger said. “Coming out and having that first match and being able to pin him. It really did help.”

Wenger said he applied pressure on top until the pinning maneuver opened up. Prairie Coach Blake Williams said Wenger appear unfazed, becoming the first of five Hawk quarterfinalists.

“He went out and did what he does best," Williams said. "I think he'll carry that into tomorrow.”

THAT'S THE FACT, JACK

Cedar Rapids Xavier's Jack Boland has come a long way.

And that may be an understatement.

The senior 195-pounder - who moved up from 182 before districts - toppled No. 7 Dane Jones of Oskaloosa 5-3 in his first state tournament match.

Two years ago, he was a varsity newcomer, struggling to a 6-28 record.

“That was horrendous,” said Boland, who stands 37-8 this season. “Three of those six wins were forfeits. It was good for me, though, to take my lumps, learn how to lose and learn from my mistakes. Losing isn't nice, obviously, but it's nice to learn from your mistakes.”

Boland credits his uncle, Saints coach Ryan Chambers, and his staff for his burgeoning success on the mat.

“They lay the foundation work for all that we're able to do,” he said.

HEAVY LOSS

Cedar Rapids Jefferson's lone representative, 113-pounder Patrick Rashed, didn't make weight for his opening-round match, so could not compete in the tournament. Rashed earned district runner-up honors and posted a 30-10 record this season.

THOMSEN WINS

Brothers Max (113) and Logan (138) Thomsen won their opening-round bouts. The Union Community wrestlers, ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in their weight classes, each seek to attain the Knights' first state titles since Brett Hakeman topped the medal stand at 160 pounds in 2005.

Max Thomsen (44-1) beat Winterset's Derek Miller 4-0. Miller took third at 103 last season.

“Bigger lights, bigger (arena), tougher kids,” Max said. “But I just look at it like it's just like a home dual meet.”