DES MOINES — On the biggest stage Iowa can present, the best rise to the top. The state wrestling tournament places tremendous pressure on some of the state’s best athletes. For the first time all year, the wrestlers must be concerned with more than their opponents.

The sheer size of Wells Fargo Arena would be enough to scare some, but when that arena is filled with thousands of screaming wrestling fans, that fear multiplies exponentially. The stage challenges these boys both physically and mentally, testing their competetivenes, fortitude and resiliency.

Two boys from the area were able to overcome those challenges and make it through to the next stage. First, there was Lynnville-Sully junior Caden Doll, who is seeded 13th in the 160-pound bracket.