Sergeant Bluff-Luton wrestling ready for another trip to state duals

(Sergeant Bluff) – This year’s state doubles tournament is at a new time and place, but one thing hasn’t changed: Sergeant Bluff-Luton has qualified.

The Warriors are participating in the state doubles tournament for the fifth straight year, seventh time in the last eight years and ninth time in program history.

“Every year is a special experience for the boys,” said Clint Koedam, Sergeant Bluff-Luton head coach. “Every year we lose a bunch of guys and get a bunch of new ones. This one is a little more special. Our seniors grew up in the program. One of my sons is a senior and it has been a lot of fun coaching these guys for the past 12 years. The selflessness they display is inexplicable.”

While warriors have grown accustomed to naming two phenomena, they never take this for granted.

“When the season is over we’ll start all over again,” said Koedam. “There is no guarantee from one year to the next. It’s important to stay humble and never think it will happen automatically.”

Sergeant Bluff-Luton’s final trip to the State Duals comes after a 41-28 win over Atlantic on Tuesday night.

“Everyone did what they were supposed to do,” said Koedam. “We always talk about everyone having a job to do. Nobody turned around. Everyone bit, scratched and hoped for the best.”

The Warriors are a talented and experienced bunch. The Warriors have six wrestlers ranked in Class 2A by IAWrestle: Ethan Skoglund (No. 10 at 120), Bo Koedam (No. 4 at 132), Ty Koedam (No. 5 at 145), Hunter Steffans (No. 4 at 152). ), Zayvion Ellington (No. 10 at 160) and Garrett McHugh (No. 8 at 182).

Jayce Curry (106), Dalton VanWyhe (126) and Ayden McRoberts (138) are not ranked but have produced successful seasons.

“All these guys are going to do good things,” said Koedam. “We have a mix of leadership, talent and consistency. You don’t need 14 studs in a lineup to be successful, but you do need a mix of leaders, talent and guys willing to strive for it.”

The Warriors drew #3 in Class 2A. They meet Humboldt in the first round on Saturday morning. The two teams know each other. They competed at the Rollin Dyer Invitational in Atlantic on Jan. 7 and went head-to-head last year in a regional duel that Sergeant Bluff-Luton won.

“We are really similar teams,” said Koedam. “They will be strong. Both teams come out to punch you in the mouth and see how you react. There will be some phenomenal matchups in this clash. There has to be a hero. I look forward to seeing which one kid doing something they shouldn’t do.”

Click below to hear the full interview with Coach Koedam.