March 28, 2024

Roadrunners rally back to state duals

Return for first time in several seasons

SIGOURNEY — Interstate 35’s wrestling team stared a big deficit early in the regional team dual final against Sigourney-Keota last Tuesday.

The Roadrunners’ resiliency, built up during many tough matches in the early and middle parts of the season showed as they battled back in the second half of the dual.

It helped lead Interstate 35 back to the state duals for the first time in several years.

Interstate 35 punched its ticket with a thrilling 40-33 win over Sigourney-Keota.

Interstate 35, the eighth seed, faced top seed Don Bosco, Gilbertville, in the opening round of the state duals Wednesday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

The Roadrunners took their share of lumps this dual meet season, going up against teams such as Creston/Orient-Macksburg, Des Moines Lincoln, Indianola and Norwalk.

“It helps a ton,” said senior Dante Arzani. “It (the record) doesn’t look so good on paper with records or anything.”

Coach Ryan Snyder’s team knows and understand what tough competition is like.

It will serve them well against the perennial Class 1A power Dons.

“We can go into the duals, every match having the confidence that we’ve wrestled the best, been with the best,” Arzani said. “We’re going to lay it on the line. If you can beat me, who cares. I’m definitely going to fight for the win.”

Snyder’s helped cultivate a tough-minded group of Roadrunner wrestlers.

“Coach has definitely helped us a bunch with that fighter mentality, pushing us every day in the room,” Arzani said.

Team chemistry has helped as well

“Being together as a family has helped boost each others confidence,” Arzani said.

Interstate 35’s patrons roared as each win went into its column.

By the time Ethan Elliot picked up a technical fall win at 145 pounds and Jacob Steinlage secured it with a pin at 152, the Roadrunner faithful was roaring.

“The gym, it was loud in there,” Arzani said. “It was a great time.”

Reaching the state duals for the first time in several seasons meant a great deal to the team.

“It’s pretty cool. I haven’t seen it happen in a long time, so it’s pretty awesome to bring that back into this community,” Arzani said. “It shows the hard work has paid off.”

Interstate 35 rattled off eight straight wins in the middle and later part of the dual, all by at least a major decision.

“We were down 24 points right off the bat and we were starting to think this might not go so well, then we started winning, getting extra points. Things started to flow together.”

“I’m really proud of this team.”

Interstate 35 opened with a 44-32 win over Pride of Iowa Conference rival Southeast Warren.

The Roadrunners picked up forfeit wins from Nathan Phillips at 113, Casey Baker at 126 and Dante Arzani at 195. They added pins from Brayden Egli at 138 and Ethan Elliot at 145. Jacob Steinlage had a decision win at 152. Mason Woosley had a technical fall win at 160, while Drew Kirkpatrick picked up a pin at 170.