Warhawks Set Eyes on State

NEW SHARON – When Ryan Groom’s North Mahaska wrestling team gits the mats this season it will be all business as the team sets its sights on qualifying multiple wrestlers for the state meet in February. Two competitors have already seen action on the big floor at Wells Fargo and hope to lead the charge.

Junior Michael DeJong reached state in 2019 while sophomore Paul DeJong made the trip last season. DeJongs highlight nine returning letterwinners which include, PJ Stout, Wyatt Van Weelden, Trace Goemaat, Hayden Jones, Libby Groom, Noah Jedlicka and Matt German. All were starters for Groom last season so bring plenty of mat experience.

Coach Groom is excited to add seven others including three more female wrestlers. Cited newcomers include Andy Knockel, Malachi Newport, Austin McMahan, Jakob Clark, Lauren Basicilo, Abigail Moore and Myia Smith.

Coach Groom is excited for the upcoming season.

“We have a full room this year with 17 wrestlers, four of which are girls” said Groom. “We are looking forward to the year and cannot wait to get on the mat. We are anticipating qualifying multiple wrestlers for state.”

Groom said with experience his team could challenge for an upper division in the South Iowa Cedar League. Top three may not be out of the realm of possibility. Depth of lineup will be to the team’s advantage. There have been times when there were gaps in the lineup and the team was forced to take a forfeit.

North Mahaska is scheduled to hit the mat on Thursday, Dec. 3 when they host Colfax-Mingo, Belle Plaine and Lynnville-Sully in a quadrangular. Then Saturday the team will enter its first tournament action at Montezuma.