The state wrestling tournament commenced from Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. The Little Hawks had five wrestlers competing including Ryan Ott ’23, Jake Mitchell ‘24, Kael Kurtz ‘24, Cale Season ‘24, and Ben Kueter ‘23. They wrestled a combined 20 matches in three days.

Ben Kueter ‘23 finished the state tournament with two pins and two tech falls on his way to his third state title. The University of Iowa wrestling commit has a (76-0) career record, winning a state title at 160, 195, and 220lbs. In the state finals this year, Kueter pinned his opponent in 73 seconds.

“It feels great. All of the hard work is starting to pay off.” Ben said.

Kueter also attributed his success in part to a “way different atmosphere” at Wells Fargo Arena than in past years. The future looks bright as Kueter won the 3A Dan Gable Wrestler of the Year, and he looks to become the 32nd high school wrestler in Iowa to be a four-time state champion next year.

Cale Seaton ‘24 finished third at 120 pounds with a record of (42-3) on the season. Seaton’s only losses this year have been to Senior Trevor Andersen of Ankeny who placed second at 120 pounds.

“It’s not necessarily that I learned a lot, but it will definitely be motivation for me this summer so that I can win next year,” Seaton said.

With two years left of high school wrestling, Seaton is primed to push for a state title in the next two years.

Kael Kurtz ‘24 finished fourth place in the State tournament at 126 pounds with a record this season of (38-6). He fell just short this year in the State Tournament to the nation’s number one wrestler at 126 pounds in senior Nathanael Jesuroga of SouthEast Polk, who is also committed to the University of Iowa.

All five wrestlers are returning next season for the Little Hawks.