Andrew Dyrdal, Albert Lea Tribune, Minn. –
Two Lake Mills, Iowa, wrestlers advanced to the state tournament on Saturday by placing second in its district tournament in Jewell.
Senior Calvin Beal and sophomore Noah Irons each qualified for state, which will be held Thursday through Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
“Noah made quick work of his opponent to get it, and Calvin did a great job bouncing back in the wrestleback,” Bulldogs coach Alex Bradenburg said. “I was so nervous before the match because Calvin has poured his heart and soul into wrestling, and it would have crushed me for him not to get to state.”
Irons, at 126 pounds, pinned Logan Klingson, of Prairie Valley, in 18 seconds in the semifinals before losing a 5-3 decision to eighth-ranked Tyler Hubrich, of Pochahontas, in the finals.
Beal, at 145 pounds, won an 8-5 decision over Matt Odland, of Clarion-Goldfield, to reach state.
Andy Dahle (138) and Jon Erickson (160) also wrestled on Saturday and placed third and fourth, respectively.
“Andy and Jon wrestled well but could not pull off an upset,” Bradenburg said. “They were both on the doorstep, but I am confident they will break down the door next year if they do some offseason wrestling.”
Irons (34-6) will wrestle Midland junior Kyle Pegorick (41-5) in the state tournament’s opening round, and Beal (32-7) will face top-ranked and undefeated senior Robert Walker (26-0), of Martinsburg.
