OSKALOOSA’S DREW SAMS 7TH AT STATE

Oskaloosa’s Drew Sams at Iowa State Wrestling Finals at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

by Joe Milledge

Osky grappler Drew Sams chose an epic finish to his 7th place match at the State High School Wrestling Tournament in Des Moines on Friday – going into overtime after the regular match ended 0-0 after 3 periods. Sams would win 1-0 by rule as he rode out his Keokuk opponent, Camiran Sadeghi at the end of the 7th period.

Sams ended his Junior career on the medal stand after having qualified for State the past 2 years, but not placing in the top 8. The win – and 7th place overall finish – propels him to next season with a 35-9 record. Sadeghi only had 4 losses on the season prior to the match.

Sams told KIIC radio afterward that this was the biggest match of his career. (See video)

Elsewhere Albia’s Bryce Leshen (145) and Carter Isley (285) both had championship wins Saturday night which helped to propel the Blue Demons to a 3rd place showing overall.

Moravia’s Briar Cochran earned the school’s first ever wrestling championship for the Mohawks. Cochran’s dad (and assistant coach) Jamie wrestled at state 25 years ago, but was not able to do what his son accomplished. “I couldn’t be more proud, I don’t even have the words” Coach Cochran said immediately after the match. Moravia finished in 1a 12th overall. Pleasantville finished 17th, Sigourney-Keota 48th, Eddyville Blakesburg was 54th. There were over 90 schools competing in 1A.

Click here for a complete rundown of team scoring: http://kiicteams.blogspot.com/