Freshman Jakob Regan pulls out pair of narrow victories at District Tournament for runner-up finish and State Tournament qualification; Will compete Thursday afternoon in Des Moines


ON TO STATE! ... Waukon wrestling freshman 106-pounder Jakob Regan wrestled his way to State Tournament qualification with two wins in three matches at the Class 2A District Tournament held at New Hampton Saturday, February 15. Pictured above, Regan works Independence freshman Kale Wieland over during their wrestleback battle, where Regan pulled out a 2-1 victory to solidify his second-place finish at the tournament and State Tournament qualification in his first year of varsity competition. Pictured below, Regan hugs his father, volunteer assistant coach Jack Regan, in celebration of his State Tournament qualification following his successful wrestleback defense while his younger brother, Jaxon, looks on. View and find out how to purchase these photos and many more by clicking on the Photo Galleries link on this website.

The continuation of the high school wrestling season was at stake when wrestlers took to the mat at the Class 2A District 6 Tournament at New Hampton High School Saturday, February 15, with half of the four-man bracket in each weight class at those district tournaments having their season ended and the other half advancing on to the 2020 Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament.

Waukon wrestling freshman Jakob Regan was one of four wrestlers competing in the 106-pound weight bracket at that District 6 Tournament, needing a first- or second-place finish to earn further advancement to this year’s State Tournament. Although it took three matches to do so, Regan battled his way through that tournament field with narrow wins in two of those three matches to earn a second-place district tournament finish and gain qualification for this season’s grand finale.

Qualifying as a freshman for the season grand finale, Regan becomes the first Waukon wrestler with the potential of being a four-time State Tournament qualifier since Waukon High School 1990 graduate Steve Pladsen accomplished that feat for each of the 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990 seasons. Details of Regan’s State Tournament opportunities can be found in a shaded box elsewhere on the Sports pages in the February 19, 2020 edition of The Standard.

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