Several northeast Iowa wrestlers are among the nominees for the 2024 Dan Gable Ms. and Mr. Wrestler of the Year awards.
Coordinated by Fareway Stores, IAwrestle.com and the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA), announced the Top 15 finalists among the girls across the state and in the three separate boys classes. Fans can cast votes for their favorite wrestler once per day at IAwrestle.com until noon on January 19th.
Among the 2024 girls Top 15 candidates are Kiara Djoumessi of Waverly-Shell Rock, the defending state champ at 140 pounds, and Naomi Simon of Decorah, the defending state champ at 170 pounds.
In the Mr. Wrestler Class 1A Top 15 are Colin Holm of South Winneshiek, Tanner Arjes of North Butler-Clarksville, and Jayden Rinken of Nashua-Plainfield, who won the state title last year at 106 pounds. Holm and Arjes were both state runners-up in their respective weight classes.
Class 2A boys Top 15 nominees include Braden McShane of New Hampton Turkey Valley, plus Anders Kittelson, Blake Fox, and Tucker Stangel, all of Osage. Fox and Stangel both won state titles last year while McShane and Kittelson each finished second at their respective weights.
The Iowa Mr. Wrestler of the Year Top 15 in Class 3A includes Bas Diaz of Waverly-Shell Rock, who won the 145-pound championship last year.
The Top 15 lists will be trimmed to seven, then down to the final three. The winners will be announced at the luncheon awards banquet at the Fareway Conference Center in Boone on February 28th.
Charles City’s Lilly Luft won the Ms. Wrestler of the Year award last year.
