Taylor Smith, Sports
Last week, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows sent a fearless foursome to Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines to compete at high school wrestling’s largest stage.
Ryan Hartwig, a sophomore at 120 lbs., returned to state after qualifying at 106 lbs. a year ago. Hartwig lost by fall in the 2nd period of his Wednesday bout with Jake Hausgse of Mount Vernon before losing by a major decision to Eagle Grove’s Mack Morgan on Thursday.
Caleb Seaba started his second trip to Wells Fargo Arena out with a bang with a 1st period win by fall over Elston Lindner of Central DeWitt at 165 lbs. Next, he faced an Osage wrestler in the quarterfinal and lost a 10-7 decision. Seaba would then win a 4-3 decision over Anamosa’s Ayden Antonelli in the consolation bracket before losing by fall to Brock Mulder of Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley in the 7th place match. The junior reached the podium, earning an 8th-place medal for the Cowboys.
Mason Allen (175) finished his outstanding senior campaign with a tough loss by fall to Kieran Polking of Carroll and a 10-6 loss by decision to Leander Reicks of NH/TV.
Ashtin Willms wrestled at 215 lbs. in the second state tournament of his illustrious career. On Wednesday, the senior-dominated Stryker Lettington of Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont in an 11-0 major decision victory.
Willms would drop a tight 6-3 decision to a Ballard grappler but bounced back on Thursday with a 6-2 win by decision over an opponent from Fairfield and another 5-0 victory over Jake Trenary of Clear Lake. Ashtin’s final bout of the tournament came against Jaydn Cooper of Winterset. Unfortunately, Cooper was able to secure the 14-5 major decision win.
Congratulations to all Cowboy wrestlers and coaches on another successful season to remember.
