Waukon wrestling program takes several steps forward in 2016-2017 with 9-16 record

The 2016-2017 Waukon wrestling season saw the Indian mat program take some small steps forward, but forward nonetheless. The wrestling Tribe posted a season record of 9-16, including a mark of 1-5 in Northeast Iowa Conference competition.

This season’s nine wins were an improvement over last season’s seven dual meet victories, and that single Northeast Iowa Conference (NEIC) victory, a mid-season triumph over Oelwein, was the mat Tribe’s first NEIC dual meet victory in six seasons. The Indians also won the team championship at the Riceville Tournament this season.

“Sad to see the season come to an end, but yet great things to come for the future of Waukon wrestling,” Waukon wrestling coach Matt Pladsen said. “This season we won two more dual meets than last year. We also won the Riceville Tournament; it’s been quite a few years since Waukon has won a tournament. It was also great to host the NEIC Wrestling Tournament, a very proud day for Waukon High School being able to watch some of the best wrestlers in the state, let alone a few of them ranked in the nation.”

Whatever highs and lows this season may have brought with it, Coach Pladsen is ready to try and build on whatever momentum may have been gained this winter. “Another great season and I can not wait to get back into the wrestling room,” he said. “Get fired up!”

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