For the second straight year, the Dan Gable Ms. Wrestler of the Year comes from northeast Iowa, while another north Iowan claims a Mr. Wrestler honor.
In coordination with Fareway Stores, IAwrestle, and Iowa Corn, the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA) selected a Mr. Wrestler in each of the state’s three high school classes for the men and a Ms. Wrestler from all combined classes for the women’s award.
This year’s Ms. Wrestler of the Year is Decorah’s Naomi Simon, who finished her high school career as Iowa’s first four-time state girls champion, all at 170-pounds. Charles City’s Lilly Luft was named Ms. Wrestler of the Year in 2023.
Named Mr. Wrestler of the Year in Class 2A in Osage’s Tucker Stangel, who won the 157-pound state title earlier this month, the second individual championship of his career. His Green Devils’ teammate Anders Kittleson was also a finalist for the award. Kittleson won the state title this year at 144-pounds.
After a committee initially selected 15 candidates in each category, the list was narrowed to seven and then to a Final 3, with the winners named Wednesday (02.28) during the awards ceremony in Boone.
