Tigers advance four to State in wrestling

Izzie Hayes/Staff Writer

The Cedar Falls High School Tigers advanced four wrestlers on to state in the district meet this last Saturday, Feb. 11. Dan Kelly (106), Sam Dagit (131), Nick Hagedorn (160) and Nick Terpstra (285) all advanced to the state tournament, representing the Tigers.

Ethan Wiechmann, math teacher and also a wrestling coach, said he was proud of the outcome of Saturday’s Districts, although it also had some tough matches.

“(Districts) was a huge roller coaster of emotions. There were a lot of ups and downs. Wrestling is very unique in that regards with its individual aspect. One moment you are flying high with excitement for your kids and seconds later you crash. Then it’s back on a high, and the roller coaster continues. When the ride finally came to a stop Saturday, we qualified four, and that is an improvement,” Wiechmann said.

Tigers that will be participating in the state tournament start Feb. 16 and want to keep working hard to push each other to do their best at the state tournament.

“I will be there for them as they will be for me. I will cheer them on and be their biggest supporter as well as a teammate. I will do anything in order to help my teammates out,” Terpstra said.

However, the dream of State ended early for some. Cassy Herkelman came close to a repeat of last year’s performance of heading down to State. Although Herkelman placed third at Districts (the top two finishers advance) and was not given the chance to continue on to State, she finished the season with a record of 31-15.
Kelly is just a freshman, but he said feels no extra stress going to State.

“I don’t feel any pressure. This is where I want to be. I’m going to prepare for State like any other tournament and get myself mentally prepared and ready for a tough tournament,” Kelly said.

The state wrestling tournament is from Feb. 16-18. Cedar Falls High School will be sending a pep bus down to Des Moines on Thursday, Feb 16 for those who wish to go and support the wrestlers.