The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

It was a long road, there were tears and triumph.

The moment every wrestler has worked their entire career for was finally here.

The best of the best were about to go head to head.

Fans filled the seats with grave anticipation while wrestlers braced themselves for what would be the longest 6 minutes of their life.                                           

A couple veterans to the finals, but for most this was their first time.

Opening ceremonies went off without a hitch, featuring the grand march with each wrestler soaking in the glory of their high school career.

For some this would be the last match of their career.

Boasting different the best of the best went head to head.

Karsten Van Velsor walked on the mat knowing this would be the last match of his high school career. 

Shadow Leshen boasted a 51 and 2 record heading into the state tournament.

Beating numerous top ranked wrestlers during his 3 years in high school.

He’s hit countless milestones such as winning his 100th match early in his junior year, and taking home 2^nd in last years state championships.

Shadow shook out his nerves preparing for his major match for the second year in a row.

Facing Doug Miner from when the match began.

The two feel each other out for a little bit before making their first move.

Scoreless heading into the second round shadow deferred his choice while Miner chose to go down.

Miner scored here which ended up being the only score the entire match.

Shadow unfortunately lost, but thankfully being a junior he’ll have another shot at the title next year.

At 132 the sophomore Blake Marolf from e-b-f started like he always does, fast paced and energetic.

This was his second time in the finals as well.

Setting out to prove himself he shook Logan Loftus’ hand before scoring 4 quick points on him. in control 4-0 and in the second period Blake somehow flipped and with him went the momentum.

He was pinned mid second period, and the only light at the end of the tunnel here is that he has two more chances at state.  

Jason Crosby of EBF wanted revenge on Kyle Blocker after losing to him in over time during the regular season. 

No surprise it was an extremely close match.

Crosby fought tooth and nail the entire time but came up just short losing by a score of 4-2.

Karsten Van Velsor representing Ottumwa stepped on the mat knowing this was his last match that he would ever wrestle for Ottumwa.

He made his hometown proud, and was the first wrestler to go to the finals since 1968.

He lost in another close match to take home 2^nd in the state and Coach Cochran couldn’t be prouder.

Centerville’s big man Riley Denny was all smiles yesterday, for good reason.

He pinned his opponents in the quarter and semi finals.

In Des Moines, I’m Kamady Rey.