Waukon wrestling team battles to 5-15 season record, continues recent trend of State qualification

The Waukon wrestling team battled to a 5-15 dual meet record during its 2019-2020 campaign. That season mark included a winless result in its six Northeast Iowa Conference (NEIC) dual meets that placed the mat Tribe in seventh place in the final NEIC standings, the same standing the Indians finished with at this year’s NEIC Tournament as well.

This season’s results were mainly a product of a line-up that was oftentimes only half filled throughout the season. A good portion of those vacancies were the result of injuries that sometimes left only six Indians competing in a 14-weight line-up.

“Injuries were tough on us this year,” Waukon wrestling coach Mason Berns said. “Those injuries included returning varsity letter winners, junior Daniel Cowell suffered a broken foot and senior Tyler Block was out with a bad shoulder - both season-ending injuries. They are great teammates and competitors and not having them compete and practice daily was definitely felt throughout the season. Staying healthy and off-season commitment will be what it takes to climb some of these challenges. Off-season work includes lifting weights, running track and doing something active every day.”

Despite those challenges, Coach Berns said that it may very well have been the lack of a full team on the mat that actually helped this year’s group forge an even greater team concept.

For more complete coverage, pick up this week's print edition or subscribe to our e-edition by clicking here.