Taylor Smith, Sports Editor
Last week, three Eagle Grove wrestlers closed out the 2024-25 season on Iowa’s biggest stage. Senior Jesus Baez and juniors Hayden Schafer and Jayden Kreitlow represented the purple and gold at the four-day state wrestling tournament held at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Baez lost a heartbreaking 1-0 decision in his first match at state. The 285-pounder received a bye in the next round, and on Thursday wrestled Wahlert’s Aidan Jenaman. Jenaman came out on top in a 7-1 decision, and Baez ended his final season with a 34-24 record.
Two-time state qualifier Jayden Kreitlow was beaten 4-3 by Josh Ringler of Grinnell in the first round, but he delivered a 2nd period pin against Algona’s Tayten Rummel on Day 2. In the consolation round to follow, Crestwood wrestler Brock Mulder bested Kreitlow.
Junior 157-pounder Hayden Schafer opened his state tournament with a 17-2 win over Peyton Johnson of Mediapolis. He lost 10-4 to Garner-Hayfield-Ventura’s Lucas Kral, but bounced back and delivered a 23-8 technical fall over Holten Palmer of Waukon.
Next, Schafer took Clarion-Goldfield-Dows senior Caleb Seaba down in a thrilling 4-1 sudden victory. He kept the ball rolling on Friday with an 11-8 consolation round win over a 42-4 wrestler from West Delaware. Next, Hayden was defeated in a rematch with Lucas Kral and lost to Fairfield’s Cason Miller in the 7th place match, but he ended his season with a 44-14 record and an 8th place state tournament medal.
