Iowa’s best high school wrestlers: Meet the state’s top 220-pounders

As we near the end of our look back at the top returning wrestlers in Iowa, we turn our focus to those who competed at 220 pounds a season ago. 

Included in the bunch is returning state champion Mason Knipp of Waterloo Columbus along with a runner-up in Henry Christiansen of Ballard. Ayden Hoag from Le Mars and Braden McShane of New Hampton/Turkey Valley were both third-place medalists last year. 

Here is a look at some of the top 220-pound wrestlers in the state of Iowa: 

Mason Knipp, Waterloo Columbus, senior

Knipp picked up 40 victories last year as a junior, with none bigger than his final one. That came in the Class 1A state finals as he claimed the championship.

Henry Christensen, Ballard, junior

As a freshman, Christensen placed eighth in 2A for the Bombers, going 32-13. He reached the finals last year, settling for silver while going 44-8.

Ayden Hoag, Le Mars, senior

A two-time state qualifier, Hoag will have one final chance to earn gold this winter. He has won 90 of his last 97 matches overall, placing third last season in 3A.

Braden McShane, New Hampton/Turkey Valley, senior

It has been a nice climb by McShane up the podium, as the dual-sport standout was fourth two years ago and finished third last season. He has won 74 of his last 84 matches overall.

Jack Hiland, Bellevue, senior

In winning 50 matches as a junior, Hiland showed that he has the necessary skills to succeed at the highest of levels. He placed fifth overall in 1A and is back looking for a second medal.

Antonio Loving, Southeast Polk, senior

Part of the strong wrestling room at Southeast Polk, Loving earned a sixth-place finish in 3A while going 21-11 last year.

David Smith, West Hancock, senior

After helping the Eagles to a state football title in the fall, Smith looks to earn a second state wrestling medal. As a junior, he placed sixth in 1A with a record of 45-14.

Brady Davis, Maquoketa Valley, senior

Davis has two state appearances under his belt going into his final prep season, earning his first medal last year by placing seventh. He has won 70 matches over the last two years.

Logan Wright, West Branch, senior

After earning eighth as a sophomore with a mark of 46-9, Wright returned to state last year, winning 39 of 44 matches but finishing off the podium.

Mason Koehler, Glenwood, sophomore

In his first high school campaign, Koehler showed that his future is bright, going 46-10 overall while placing eighth in 2A.

Aiden Heitland, AGWSR, senior

Heitland positioned himself for a run at the top in 1A after qualifying and finishing eighth last year for the Cougars with a record of 37-10.

Henry Lund, AHSTW, junior

Each of Lund’s first two prep seasons have ended at Wells Fargo Arena and the state tournament, but he is still searching for that elusive medal. The junior entered the year with a record of 78-23.

Indy Ferguson, Lisbon, senior

Another multi-time qualifier, Ferguson looks to score his initial state medal this year after winning 68 matches the last two seasons.

Reece Wrage, North Polk, senior

Wrage pushed his win total from 27 two years ago to 40 last season, as both ended at the state tournament.

Caden Wetherell, Waverly-Shell Rock, junior

Wetherell returns for the Go-Hawks to compete among the giants of 3A. He reached state as a sophomore a season ago, winning 32 matches.

Drew Campbell, Cedar Falls, senior

A standout football player who has signed with the University of Iowa, Campbell qualified for the state meet and went 33-8 last year.

Kolton Borcherding-Johnson, Norwalk, junior

Borcherding-Johnson won 12 of his 15 matches as a sophomore, including his way to a bid at the state tournament.

Ashtin Willms, Clarion-Goldfield/Dows, senior

Willms looks to keep the strong Cowboy tradition going in his final go-round, coming off a 27-win season that included an appearance at state.

Jaydn Cooper, Winterset, junior

As a sophomore, Cooper reached state, closing out the year with a mark of 36-12.

Rhett Schaefer, Davenport Assumption, senior

Schaefer is another key cog back for Assumption, as the senior qualified for the state meet and won 32 matches last year.

Trevor Dieren, Central Lyon/George-Little Rock, senior

Dieren earned himself a spot at state, winning 24 matches against just five defeats.