Oskaloosa’s DeJong Finishes 2nd, Albia’s Isley Wins State Title to lead Local Wrestlers at Iowa State Tournament

Oskaloosa Indians

by Matt Saville

Des Moines, Iowa – For Oskaloosa Indian wrestler Skylar DeJong it was a dream come true to be in the Iowa State Wrestling Finals. DeJong wrestled his heart out only to come up short in a battle between #1 Nolan Helickson of Southeast Polk and #2 DeJong.

Oskaloosa News sports reporter Matt Saville spoke with DeJong right after his semifinal win and asked him what it meant to him to be going to the finals. DeJong said, “it is something I have dreamt about since I was little and starting to wrestle.” DeJong said without his coaches and teammates this wouldn’t have been possible. “My coaches kept telling me to strive to want to be the best, to work hard and to go after my goals.”

DeJong talked about what was quickly becoming a routine with him at state. Running to his mom, the rest of his family and his friends after his wins. He also talked about what his family means to him and what it was like having his sister be one of the cheerleaders on this special trip. DeJong simply said, “It is family first. I appreciate everything they have done for me and all the love and support I receive from them. That means so much.”

DeJong ends his season with a 47-2 record, one of the best seasons ever turned in by an Indian.

The Albia Blue Demons hopes rested on the big shoulders of junior Carter Isley as he went into the finals Saturday night knowing he wanted to improve on his runner up finish the year before. He did just that in a tough 1-0 win. Isley finishes the season undefeated and will look to defend his title next year. Blake Lawless was also a medal winner for the Blue Demons, as he brought home a 7th place finish.

For the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Rockets, they had two place winners, Jeren Glosser with a 3rd place finish and Hunter Johnston with an 8th place finish.

Sigourney-Keota had two wrestlers that walked away with good state tournaments. Nathan Fritz finished 3rd and Lane Boender finished 8th.

Congratulations to all the area wrestlers who made it to the coveted Iowa State Wrestling Tournament, and to those that were place winners.