Iowa’s best high school wrestlers: Meet the state’s top 182-pounders

The group of wrestlers returning who competed at 182 pounds last season is filled with state place winners and multi-time qualifiers. 

Each one of them is still on the hunt for that elusive state championship.

Three-time placewinner Brody Sampson is one of those, as he made it to the final a year ago before coming up short.

Here is a look at some of the top 182-pound wrestlers in the state of Iowa:

Brody Sampson, Ballard, senior

Prior to his run to the Class 2A finals and a 51-3 record, Sampson placed twice in 1A while competing for Collins-Maxwell. As a freshman, he was eighth before moving up to fifth the following season. Overall, Sampson went 118-19 during those three years.

Jarrett Roos, Sheldon/South O’Brien, senior

As a freshman, Roos entered state unbeaten before suffering two losses and missing out on a medal. He returned the following year, finishing fourth before taking third last season in 2A. He is 130-9 coming into the season.

Zach Adelmund, Dike-New Hartford, senior

Adelmund made the most of his first state run with the Wolverines, taking fourth in 2A while going 42-7 overall.

Holden Hansen, Southeast Polk, junior

Some of the wrestlers at Southeast Polk get overlooked because of all the stars on the team, but Hansen held his own a year ago, finishing fifth with a 35-12 record in 3A.

McKade Bloker, North Butler-Clarksville, senior

After placing fifth as a sophomore, Bloker moved up a spot to fourth last year in 1A. He won 36 matches and added to that with 39 wins last year, losing just 11 times combined.

Kaden Phan, Clear Creek-Amana, junior

In his state debut, Phan carried the Clipper flag to a spot in the ultra-competitive 3A tournament, finishing the season 33-14.

Cole Thompson, Waverly-Shell Rock, senior

Thompson was tested in the practice room and on the varsity mat for the Go-Hawks, qualifying for state and putting together a 24-win season.

Cooper Agosta, Bettendorf, senior

Agosta’s record might not have looked shiny and bright, but he won when he needed to, qualifying for state for the Bulldogs.

Evan Jalas, Le Mars, senior

Jalas is another senior returning after a year that included a spot at state, as he went 34-14 for Le Mars.

Isaiah Kellow, Indianola, senior

As a junior, Kellow finished the year 27-22 while competing at the biggest stage in the state tournament.

Drew Gerdes, Cedar Falls, senior

A standout on the football field, Gerdes added to his resume by reaching state and winning 29 matches last winter.

Salomon Cordero, Burlington, senior

Cordero put himself through a tough season but had it end on a bright note, qualifying for state.

Jace Tippet, North Scott, junior

With a 33-win sophomore season that included a spot at state in the books, Tippet looks to secure himself a medal this winter.

Brock Voyna, Crestwood, junior

Voyna was strong as a sophomore last year at Crestwood, reaching state while going 35-9 on the mats.

Karson Downey, Clarinda, senior

Twice now Downey has qualified for state, but he has yet to taste a medal. He has won 41 matches during that run.

Chris Wrage, Central DeWitt, junior

Wrage won 32 matches last year and qualified for state as just a sophomore.

Gaige Allen, Humboldt, senior

From Humboldt, one of the more storied programs in the state, comes Allen, who qualified for the big dance and went 31-15 as a junior.

Ian Udell, Iowa City Regina, senior

Wrestling might not be at the top of the list when it comes to Regina athletics, but Udell is hoping to change that. He qualified for state and won 33 matches last year.

Tate White, Nashua-Plainfield, senior

White put together a strong junior campaign, finishing the year at the state tournament while going 30-14 overall.

Jacob Bishop, Hinton, junior

After winning 32 matches and qualifying for state as a sophomore, Bishop seeks a return and a medal this winter.

Creighton Kelly, West Hancock, junior

Kelly is part of a strong run that the Eagles have put together in multiple sports. Last year, he won 40 of his 48 matches overall and was a state qualifier.

Landon Fernandez, Don Bosco, senior

The mighty Dons have constantly been among the elite in the state. Look for Fernandez to make an impact after qualifying for Wells Fargo Arena while winning 30 matches last year.

Tate Haffner, Southwest Valley, senior

Haffner put together a memorable junior season, winning 39 matches and qualifying for state.