The work and dedication since a disappointing 2023 finish have paid dividends for Iowa City West’s Justin Avila. Fourth-ranked Avila defeated Ankeny Centennial’s Lucas Bruhl, avenging a loss in last season’s state quarterfinals and capturing the 150-pound title at the Class 3A district meet Saturday at Cedar Rapids Prairie. He was one of three West champions and eight state qualifiers.
Cedar Rapids Washington junior 190-pounder Wyatt Young is pursuing a return trip to the state tournament, qualifying last season at 170. He recorded a pin against Cedar Rapids Kennedy on Thursday night, but the host Cougars dominated the dual, 63-11.
Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Colin Falck didn’t like finishing second at a previous tournament. He took it out on the field Monday, pinning his way to the 165-pound title of the J-Hawk Invitational at Cedar Rapids Jefferson.
Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Cael Smithhart has dealt with adversity, battling major hip injuries the last two years. He showed his resolve, yet again, overcoming an excessively bleeding nose to record a fall in the Cougars’ 43-24 loss to North Scott.
Late run propels Cedar Rapids Washington to wrestling dual win over Cedar Rapids Kennedy thegazette.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thegazette.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.