HIGH SCHOOL

Recap: Day 1 of the Iowa high school wrestling tournament, as it happened

Tommy Birch Cody Goodwin
Des Moines Register

We made it.

The first day of the Iowa traditional state wrestling tournament is set to begin here at Wells Fargo Arena at 9 a.m. The tournament wraps up on Saturday night. And the Des Moines Register will be here from start to finish keeping an eye on all the matches and all the big team races. 

Day 1 will include first round action and wrestle backs for Class 1A, 2A and 3A. Cody Goodwin and Tommy Birch will keep you updated on everything you need to know in all three classes. First on the mat will be Class 1A. The biggest story of the day in Class 1A will be the team race. The two biggest favorites are Don Bosco and Lisbon. Don Bosco brings 12 wrestlers to the tournament while Lisbon has 11. 

There are also other intriguing individual storylines to keep an eye on. Logan-Magnolia's Briar Reisz, a three-time finalist at the state tournament, takes aim at his first state title. The class also returns six state champions. Two could go head-to-head at 132 points with Underwood's Gable Porter and West Dubuque's Aidan Noonan here at The Well. The same could happen at 120 pounds with returning state champs, Marcel Lopez of New London, and Brandon Paez of Lisbon, returning. 

Day 1 coverage

General state wrestling information

8:55 p.m.: Day 1 is complete

The first day of the tournament is in the books. The final class to finish was Class 2A. West Delaware had the best day in the class. They ended Day 1 in first place in the team race and moved all 11 wrestlers here to Day 2. Here's a look at the team scoring. 

1.) West Delaware: 36

2.) Independence: 18

3.) (tie) Assumption, Crestwood, Osage: 17. 

6.) (tie) Bondurant-Farrar, Clarion-Goldfield, Winterset: 12

9.) East Marshall: 11.5

10). (tie) Camanche,  Union: 11.

That's it for tonight from Wells Fargo Arena. Check back tomorrow for more live updates. 

Centerville's Matthew Lewis wrestles Grinnell's Andres Cantillo during their class 2A 145 pound match at the Iowa high school state wrestling tournament on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, in Des Moines, IA.

8:32 p.m.: It was a strong showing for the state champs

All five of Class 2A state champs moved on with wins in the first round. The biggest of the night was Centerville's Matthew Lewis, who secured a first-period fall. Lewis, who improved to 34-4 on the season, is chasing his fourth state title. It's a feat accomplished by just 28 other wrestlers in state tournament history. 

7:51 p.m.: Cody Goodwin's observations

I caught up with wrestling reporter Cody Goodwin, who broke down the strong start to the tournament for West Delaware. Here's what Cody had to say: 

"West Delaware did what I thought they’d do. they’re kind of playing with house money in their lighter weights as long as their heavier weights perform and their heavier weights performed tonight. They went 8-3 overall with six pins.”

7:41 p.m.: West Delaware has the lead

It has been a strong first day for West Delaware. West Delaware, which was expected to be in the hunt for a team title and had a loaded back of the weight class lineup, definitely delivered. It went 8-3 on the first round and won its final six matches of the first round. When it was all said and done, West Delaware racked up six first-round falls. 

7:27 p.m.: The 182-pound field is loaded

The 182-pound field includes a ton of talent. Union's Adam Ahrendsen, a Northern Iowa commit, is a returning state champ. Osage's Spencer Mooberry was a finalist at 170 pounds a year ago. And Gilbert's Fernando Villaescusa, was a state champion in Arizona last season. All three advanced with first-round falls. 

7:13 p.m.: Hayden Taylor continues march to history

Solon's Hayden Taylor improved to 36-0 on the season with a tech fall victory in the first round. There's plenty at stake for Taylor, who could join an elite company that includes just 94 three-time state champions. And if he accomplishes that, he'll be well on his way to some even more rare air as a possible four-time champion. 

7:03 p.m.: The wait could be over for three finalists

Three wrestlers who had made it to the finalists on multiple occasions put themselves in position to finally grab a state championship. Independence's Isiah Weber, a two-time finalist, picked up a fall over Winterset's Jensen Kaldenberg in 4:54 at 138 pounds. Centerville's Nathaniel Genobana, a three-time finalist, secured a victory over Emmetsburg's Ryan Brennan at 138 pounds, too. And Sergent Bluff-Luton's Jack Gaukel, a three-time finalist, beat Independence's Teegan McEnany at 152 pounds. 

6:50 p.m.: Matthew Lewis inches closer to history

Centerville's Matthew Lewis is a step closer to becoming a four-time state champion. Lewis, a senior at Centerville, picked up a pin over Grinnell's Andres Cantillo in just 37 seconds. Lewis is now 35-4 on the season and has a chance to become the 29th four-time state champion at the tournament. 

6:37 p.m.: Brandon O'Brien's dominating win

Independence's Brandon O'Brien made quick work of his opponent, Tanner Severson of West Lyon. O'Brien, who improved to 40-2 on the season, pinned Severson in just 25 seconds. O'Brien was a finalist last season at 106 pounds for Linn-Mar. You can read all about his journey through wresting in this great profile from Cody Goodwin.

6:33 p.m.: A three-time state champion in the making

Crestwood's Carter Fousek picked up a major decision victory in the first round over Dike-New Hartford's Dylan Ohrt. Fousek, who improved to 27-0 on the season, is well on his way to a third state title. He's just a junior. 

6:21 p.m.: Phetxoumphone advances

Webster City's Camron Phetxoumphone, a state champion last season, got an easy first round win with a fall over Creston's Lincoln Keeler in 1:55. Phetxoumphone has put together a strong season, going 32-1 with Thursday's victory. His lone loss of the season? Anders Kittelson of Crestwood. Kittelson, who improved to 27-0 with a first-round win, could get another shot at Phetxoumphone later in the tournament. 

5:50 p.m.: The last session (Class 2A) is about to begin

The third and final session of the day is about to get underway. It's Class 2A action. The biggest storyline of the day, and possibly the tournament, may be Centerville's Matthew Lewis. Lewis, a senior at 145 pounds, is already a three-time state champion and attempting to add his name to Iowa lore by becoming a four-timer. Lewis has compiled a 33-4 record this season. His first round match is against Andres Cantillo of Grinnell. 

4:16 p.m.: The second session is complete

We've made it through two sessions today. The biggest story in the second session was the tight team race for the Class 3A title. Here's how the top 10 looks: 

  • 1.) Waukee: 32.5
  • 2.) Waverly-Shell Rock: 28.5
  • 3) Southeast Polk: 26.5
  • 4.) Iowa City West: 23
  • 5.) Bettendorf: 22.5
  • 6.) Ankeny: 22
  • 7.) Fort Dodge: 21.5
  • 8.) Norwalk: 20
  • 9.) Linn-Mar: 19
  • 10.) North Scott: 18

The third session of the day, Class 2A action, gets going at 6 p.m. 

3:46 p.m.: Cody Goodwin's breakdown of the team race

I caught up with Cody Goodwin to take a look at the team race. It's a three-team battle with consolations still going on. Waukee is out in front while Waverly-Shell Rock sits in second and Southeast Polk is in third. Here's what Cody had to say: 

"Waukee came out and wrestled well. Really, really well. They're going to have nine guys on the front side. Southeast Polk, they did about as well as you could have asked. Waverly-Shell Rock did quite well. It's definitely going to be those three teams." 

3:28 p.m.: Waukee leads the team race

The Warriors had an impressive opening round. Waukee went 9-3 in the first round and secured six pins. We're still in the midst of the consolation matches, but here's how the team race is shacking out so far: 

1.) Waukee: 31.5

2.) Waverly-Shell Rock: 25.4

3.) Southeast Polk 24.5

3:22 p.m.: Ella Schmit moves on

Bettendorf's Ella Schmit, one of two girls who qualified for the tournament, won her consolation match. Schmit, who entered the tournament with a 15-3 record, was pinned in the first round but kept her hopes of reaching the medal stand alive with a pin in the consolation round. Ottumwa's Jasmine Luedtke wasn't as successful. Luedtke, who was also pinned in the first round, lost in the consolation round with another pin. So, her tournament is over. 

Ames' Gabriel Greenlee wins his match against Des Moines North-Hoover's Orlando Fuentes at 285 in Class 3A during the first round of the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, at Wells Fargo Arena, in Des Moines.

3:11 p.m.: Future Hawkeye and Cyclone win

A future Iowa State Cyclone and Iowa Hawkeye advanced at 285 pounds. Ames' Gabriel Greenlee, an Iowa State commit, improved to 32-0 with a fall over Des Moines North-Hoover's Orlando Fuentes in 1:28. Future Iowa football player Griffin Liddle of Bettendorf beat Spencer's Javier Mendez with a fall in 1:03.

3:06 p.m.: How the champions did

The Class 3A field included 12 state champions. All 12 advanced with ease. Actually, looking back on it, there have been no major upsets in Class 3A or earlier in the day at Class 1A. We're nearing the consolation round of Class 3A, though. So, there should be more action to follow. 

2:52 p.m.: Des Moines Lincoln's Mickey Griffith moves on

Griffith, who picked up Lincoln's first state title in 14 years in 2020, is on his way to another. Griffith beat Cedar Rapids Kennedy's Alex Kosh with a 19-5 major decision. Griffith will have work to do, even if he gets back to the finals. Looming on the other side of the bracket is Johnston's Caleb Helgeson, who improved to 21-1 with a victory Thursday. Helgeson and Griffith's only losses of the season have come to each other.

2:44 p.m.: A tough an odd break at 120 pounds

Mark this down as a first. Cody Goodwin reports that Dowling Catholic's Ethan Mahoney lost his first round match after he lost his mouthpiece for his braces. Dubuque Hempstead's Chad Bellis advanced because of the miscue. 

2:32 p.m.: Tons of intrigue at 152 pounds

Class 3A's 152-pound weight class is among the most interesting. It includes a pair of returning state champions and an undefeated star. Waverly-Shell Rock's Aiden Riggins improved to 31-0 with a tech fall over Cedar Falls' Landon Schaul. Iowa City West's Graham Gambrall, last season's champion at 145 pounds, picked up a fall in 5:28. Ankeny senior Cale Rathjen, a two-time state champion, tallied a pin in 2:14.  

2:03 p.m.: Ayala moves close to title No. 3

Fort Dodge senior Drake Ayala moved a step closer to his third state title. Ayala secured a first-period pin over Ankeny's Carter Davis in 1:43. It wasn't the only newsworthy victory at 132 pounds. Waverly Shell-Rock's Ryder Block, who has yet to lose a high school match, improved to 22-0 on his sophomore season. How fun would a showdown between those two be? Ayala, who is 26-1 on the season, fell to Block earlier this season.

1:55 p.m.: Two champions move on

Ankeny's Trever Anderson and Waverly Shell-Rock's Bailey Roybal both picked up first-round pins at 120 pounds. Anderson, who won a state title in 2019, improved to 14-2 on the season with a fall in 1:36. Roybal, a champion in 2020, moved to 36-2 with a pin in 3:55. If they both keep winning, it could create another memorable matchup in the finals. The two squared off against each other earlier in the season with Anderson picking up the victory. 

1:48 p.m.: An interesting rematch in the making

Southeast Polk's Nate Jesuroga picked up a 33-second pin over Bettendorf's Markel Tingle. Jesuroga, who improved to 23-0 on the season, could get a rematch with Waukee's Koufax Christensen. Christensen, who suffered just two losses during the season, fell to Jesuroga during Wednesday's dual tournament. If they were to meet again, it would come in Saturday's finals. 

1:42 p.m.: Excitement at 106

There was plenty of action to start the second session. Waukee freshman Carter Freeman, who has yet to lose in his high school career, improved to 25-0 on the season with a .58 second pin over Ankeny Centennial's Payton Bright. Ella Schmit and Jasmine Luedtke, the only two girls to reach the tournament, both suffered first round losses. Schmit fell to Waverly-Shell Rock's Zane Behrends who picked up an 8-1 decision. Luedtke was pinned by Cedar Rapids Prairie's Blake Giomo in 21 seconds. Schmit and Luedtke's days aren't done yet. They'll both continue in the consolations. 

1:05 p.m.: The second session is about to begin

Class 3A wrestlers are about to take the mats. And there will be a ton of action to follow. The team race should be intriguing with Waverly-Shell Rock, Southeast Polk and Waukee all in the hunt for a title. The field also includes 12 state champions. We won't waste any time getting to the excitement. Waukee freshman Carter Freeman, who has yet to lose in his high school career, will be among the first to compete. 

11:43 a.m.: The first session is complete

The first session of the Class 1A Tournament is in the books. A few quick notes: All six of the returning state champions won; Don Bosco, won of the heavy favorites to win the team title, is off to a strong start; Briar Reisz of Logan-Magnolia, a three-time finalist who has yet to win a title, picked up a first round victory. Here's where things in stand in the team race. 

  1. Don Bosco: 41
  2. Lisbon: 31
  3. Logan-Magnolia: 23
  4. West Sioux: 17.5

Don Bosco went an impressive 11-1 in the opening round. The lone loss returned with a victory in the consolation round. Lisbon, which is still well within striking distance of the Dons, went 8-3 in the first round and 2-1 in the consolation round. 

The second session of the day, Class 3A first round and consolations, begins at 1:30 p.m. So, don't go far.

10:52 a.m.: Cody Goodwin's 1A analysis

I caught up with our wrestling main man Cody Goodwin after the completion of the first round. Here are his quick thoughts on how the team race has shaped out: 

"It's going to take a monstrous effort to try and run down Don Bosco as it is. They basically showed why during the first round." 

For subscribers:Cody Goodwin previews the 2021 state wrestling tournament

10:41 a.m.: Where things stand after the first round

It was an impressive opening round for the top four teams: Don Bosco, Lisbon, Logan-Magnolia and West Sioux. The consolations are underway so we'll take a second to look back on how all three did. Don Bosco went 11-0 with six points. Lisbon went 8-3 with five pins. Logan-Magnolia went 5-2 with five pins. West Sioux went 5-0 with three pins. Here's a look at the team scoring so far. 

  1. Don Bosco: 38
  2. Lisbon: 29
  3. Logan Magnolia: 20
  4. West Sioux: 17.5

10:30 a.m.: 6-0 for the state champs

Class 1A included six returning state champs in Marcel Lopez (New London), Brandon Paez (Lisbon), Aidan Noonan (Cascade), Gable Porter (Underwood), Robert Avila Jr. (Lisbon) and Chet Buss (North Butler). All six advanced to the quarterfinals with wins in the first round. Avila, a junior, is chasing his third state title. Buss, who improved to 34-0 on the season, secured one of the fastest falls of the day in 38 seconds. 

Logan-Magnolia's Briar Reisz wrestles Missouri Valley's Ben Hansen during their class 1A 152 pound match at the Iowa high school state wrestling tournament on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, in Des Moines, IA.

10:24 a.m.: Team scoring update

We've entered the consolation round of Class 1A. And the usual suspects are in the team race. Don Bosco has already racked up 30.5 points with an impressive opening round. Lisbon, which dropped a pair of matches in the first round, is in second with 18 points. West Sioux had an impressive start to the day. It went 5-0 in the first round, tallied three pins and sits in third place with 16 points. 

10:10 a.m.: Briar Reisz moves on ... again

Logan-Magnolia's Briar Reisz improved to 46-1 with a fall in 2:20. That's not a surprise. Reisz has had no trouble in the early rounds of the state tournament. It's the final night that has given him troubles. Reisz, a senior, has made it to the finals during his first three trips to the tournament but has yet to secure a championship. This could be his year though. 

Members of the Don Bosco wrestling team react to a teammate's win over Lisbon in Class 1A during the Iowa high school state dual wrestling tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

10 a.m.: Don Bosco's dominating start

Don Bosco, one of the favorites to win the team race, is off to a great start. The Dons have cruised through the start of the day, winning their first six matches. Four of those came with bonus points. We'll keep an eye on Lisbon for the remainder of the day. Lisbon is the one team expected to give Don Bosco some troubles. 

More:Team rankings, returning champs, undefeated wrestlers and cool names

9:46 a.m.: Avila aims for No. 3

Lisbon junior Robert Avila is marching toward state tournament history. Avila, who already owns two state titles, is well on his way to No. 3 with a first period fall over Ogden's Avery McCloud. Avila, the heavy favorite in the bracket, improved to 31-0 on the season. 

9:43 a.m.: The 132 pound field is loaded

The most exciting weight class in Class 1A may be 132 pounds. It includes three undefeated wrestlers and a pair of reigning state champions. All three advanced with victories. Cascade's Aidan Noonan, looking for another title, improved to 43-0 with a pin in 1:04. Hagen Heistand of Logan-Magnolia, moved to 40-0 with a first period fall. And Underwood's Gable Porter, last year's champ at 106 pounds, moved to 11-0 with a pin in 5:05. All three are likely future Division I wrestlers. 

9:33 a.m.: Checking in on the recruits

The state tournament is a good time to check on some of the future college talent in the state. A pair of them already have big victories. Midland's Damon Huston, an Iowa State commit, picked up a first round pick. So, did Woodbury Central's Beau Klingensmith, a North Dakota State recruit. They won't be the only ones to watch. According to MatScouts, eight wrestlers from Iowa's 2022 class are considered top-200 prospects, and five from 2023 are considered top 100 recruits. 

9:21 a.m.: Two state champs advance

The matchup we all want to see at 120 pounds in Class 1A is well on its way to happening. New London's Marcel Lopez and Lisbon's Brandon Paez picked up first round wins. Lopez improved to 57-0 with a tech fall victory over AGWSR's Kaden Abbas. Paez secured a fall over Missouri Valley's Riley Radke. So what makes this so intriguing? Both are returning state champs. Lopez, who won a title last season at 113 pounds, already owns two titles. Paez is the reigning champ at 120. If the two are to meet, it would be in the finals. 

9:10 a.m.: We're underway in 1A

The first victory of the day is already in the books. It belongs to West Fork's Kale Petersen who picks up a fall in 1:06 over Southeast Warren's Ryland Jimenez. Missouri Valley freshman Eli Becerra followed with another dominating victory a few minuets later. Becerra improved to 45-0 on the season with a fall in 3:11. 

Waverly-Shell Rock, West Delaware, Don Bosco roll to state duals titles

On Wednesday night at Wells Fargo Arena, the Go-Hawk wrestlers blew past Southeast Polk, 59-12, to win the Class 3A state duals championship. It is Waverly-Shell Rock's fifth state duals title all-time and first since 2010.

"It feels good," Waverly-Shell Rock coach Eric Whitcome said. "It's been a while since we won a state duals championship, so this was a high priority for us."

West Delaware notched its third-straight Class 2A state duals title, thumping Crestwood, 49-21. The Hawks are the first team to three-peat as state duals champs since Davenport Assumption won four in a row from 2011-14.

For the second-straight year, the Class 1A state duals title was decided between Don Bosco and Lisbon — and this time, the Dons emerged victorious, 34-25.

More:Waverly-Shell Rock, West Delaware, Don Bosco roll to state duals titles

2021 Iowa high school state wrestling coverage