The AP/GC boys wrestling team will take part in Saturday’s Class 2A District 9 state qualifying meet at New Hampton, with coverage airing on 99 The Wave.
The Falcons have four returning state qualifiers, including Carter Liston at 126, Gage Miller at 138, Maison Copp at 190 and Jesse Brouwer at 215. Head Coach Joel Reints says while returning qualifiers typically have the inside track when it comes to seeding, having perennial power West Delaware at the meet will provide stiff competition for the spots at State.
“We’ve got a traditional powerhouse team in West Delaware, which is always tough because they’re going to occupy a lot of the top two spots, as far as seeding goes,” Reints says. “You’re going to have to beat some good kids to get down there. Looking through some of the brackets, I think Gage Miller, there’ll be three state qualifiers in his bracket, three state qualifiers in Carter Liston’s bracket. Maison Copp’s got a top rated guy in his bracket. And Jesse Brouwer’s also got a rated guy in his bracket. So yeah, it’s definitely a little different than looking at it last year, I can tell you that much.”
West Delaware has ranked wrestlers at 144, 157, 190 and 215, the most among the teams at the meet. No other team in attendance has more than two ranked wrestlers.
Other teams at the meet will include Charles City, North Fayette Valley, Oelwein, Vinton-Shellsburg and Waukon. The top two placewinners in each weight class will advance to the state tournament. Wrestlebacks will be held for second place.
Action will start at 10:00 a.m.
Joel Reints interview:
