Posted: Feb 16, 2020
The Iowa Lakes wrestling competed in the NJCAA Central/Region XI District Tournament; 7 Lakers punched their ticket to the National Tournament in March. Matthew Jordan placed 3rd at 125 lbs. He started the day off by loosing to a tough opponent from Ellsworth Community college, a loss he would later avenge. He then won two straight, including beating the wrestler from Ellsworth who bet him in the morning. Miles Knuckles, who is currently ranked 9th in the country took 5th at 133 lbs going 0-2 on the day but received an at large bid due to the impressive wins earlier in the season. At 7th ranked 141 lbs Robert Hall III went 1-1 after receiving a first-round bye. After winning his first match Robert fell to a very talented wrestler from Ellsworth in the finals, placing 2nd. At 149 lbs 10th ranked Deville Dentis placed 5th, but received an at large bid because of how impressive his season has been. Austin Hinzman went 2-1 placing second at 174 lbs. In his first match of the day Austin pinned his opponent from NIACC, and then in the semi finals he pinned the number one seed from Iowa Central before falling to Michael Waggoner of Iowa Western Community College who is currently ranked 6th in the country. Logan Koedam won his semi final match in convincing fashion winning 11-2 before falling to 3rd rank Rozell Baker of Ellsworth in the finals at 184 lbs. The National qualifier for the Lakers is Tyler Needham at 197 lbs, he too received an at large bid based on his wins this year.
Coach Alesch feels confident about the group of wrestlers who will be representing the team at the National Tournament when he said this. "Everybody across the line up battled hard today, if I had it my way all 10 wrestlers would be going however the seven, we have will represent us well. They all have worked hard all year and now is the time to let that show." The National Tournament is in Council Bluffs, IA on March 6-7.
Photo ID: Photo of Freshman Logan Koedam attached.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Coach Cody Alesch at (712) 362-7930 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.