March 28, 2024

IHSAA makes change to state wrestling

The Iowa High School State Wrestling Championships will finally have seeding during the individual tournament.

It’s about time and well overdue.

Starting this next winter season, the Iowa High School Athletic Association will seed the top eight wrestlers in each weight bracket in each class.

From what I have been told by talking to a few area coaches, this is what the majority of the state’s wrestling coaches wanted. So kudos to the IHSAA for listening to the masses and going with what they have wanted for a long time.

They could have seeded the top four and then went from there, but most coaches appeared to want the top eight.

I am indifferent on the number itself. I just think they had to do this in order to make the product better.

The first-round matches may not be as good in some spots, but seeding the top eight almost guarantees that fans will get better matches in the semifinals and finals.

We had our first races at Iowa Speedway this past weekend.

I couldn’t help but be consumed by a few comments made by NASCAR Truck Series driver Noah Gragson after he finished second in the race Saturday night.

“Iowa is the best race track we run on. I wish we went through here eight times a year,” Gragson said. “We need a Cup race here. I don’t think we see this kind of racing anywhere they go. I just love this track.”

Everyone who races at Iowa Speedway loves it. I haven’t heard any driver say anything different.

It remains to be seen if our local track will ever get a Cup race. The track is certainly ready.

My only question is, are the surroundings in the same position? The parking is limited and it may need more seating.

But looking at other tracks around the NASCAR circuit, putting fans in the stands is an issue everywhere. Iowa Speedway’s capacity may be big enough to get what the circuit is currently averaging.

I am patiently waiting for the community to have the chance to host that kind of race. I hope I don’t have to wait forever.

Switching gears to basketball, the Hy-Vee Classic will be no more after this season.

The University of Iowa has pulled out of the instate doubleheader that takes place at Wells Fargo Arena in the month of December.

The Hawkeyes will have 20 conference games and a few other guaranteed games on their schedule so they pulled out of this event to have more flexibility with the final four games.

I really liked the idea of the Hy-Vee Classic. It was a chance for the state of Iowa to see all four instate Division I teams on the same floor on the same day.

I am not surprised about this decision though. In a world where the TV networks control just about every decision, this had to be done. And I am sure Iowa State administrators are OK with it, too. And the Cyclones don’t have to deal with any of the blame.

I don’t think Iowa is running scared. The Hawkeyes are 5-1 all time in the Classic. But it looks bad on their part. The big schools certainly don’t have to help the little guys out, but the games were good opportunities for Drake and Northern Iowa.

I hope Iowa and Iowa State give the Bulldogs and Panthers a chance to play them, but it will most likely be inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena or Hilton Coliseum.

Contact Troy Hyde
at thyde@newtondailynews.com