Greene County senior Kale Peterson, the Class 2A state champion wrestler at 132 pounds in 2023 and 2022, and the Class 1A state champion as a sophomore at West Fork (Sheffield), was named Mr Wrestler of the Year. The award is presented by Fareway Stores Inc and IAwrestle, in conjunction with the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWOCA).
Peterson completed the 2022-23 season with a 42-0 record.
Lilly Luft of Charles City was selected as Ms Wrestler of the Year. Class 1A Mr Wrestler was Gable Porter of Underwood, and Class 3A Mr Wrestler was Ben Kueter of Iowa City High.
Three finalists from each of the three state wrestling classes for the men and three women finalists attended an awards luncheon banquet March 1 at the Fareway Conference Center in Boone.
Fans were able to vote once per day for their top wrestler, Ms Wrestler or Mr Wrestler, until Feb. 6 for the women and Feb. 20 for the men on IAwrestle.com. Public votes were tallied, and the top-voted wrestler received an extra vote towards the IWCOA committee vote.
A duplicate Wrestler of the Year trophy will be provided to Greene County High School for display.
Peterson has committed to wrestle for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes next year.
