Williamsburg Coach Grant Eckenrod earns 500th career victory with State Duals upset

DES MOINES - Williamsburg is a team chock-full of experience.

The Raiders have eight seniors in their lineup. That experience led to Coach Grant Eckerod's 500th career dual-meet win with a quarterfinal victory over Ballard, 45-27. He's just the fourth coach in Iowa to reach the milestone.

'It just means that you're old, I guess,” Eckenrod said. 'It means that I have had a lot of help along the way. I have been very blessed.”

Eckenrod credited his wife and his family for his accomplishment. Eckenrood said his wife was essentially his coach at home.

Of course, his assistant coaches and wrestlers get some credit, too.

'The one thing I've learned in coaching is surround your kids with great men and people,” Eckenrod said. 'I've been smart enough to do that. I've also been blessed with kids that have done whatever I've asked.”

The second half of the Ballard dual was almost all Williamsburg. The Raiders won six of the last seven bouts, including pins from Kayden Gryp (106), Sam Van Dee (113), Jalen Schropp (126) and 145-pounder Sterling Greiner. Grayson Kesterson (120) and Garret Jensen (132) added a technical fall and major decision, respectively.

Williamsburg lost to No. 2 seed Clarion CGD in the semifinals, 33-28, and settled for fourth with a 43-21 loss to West Delaware.

K.J. Pilcher contributed to this report