Strohmeyer, Walston ousted shy of podium finish

DES MOINES — Colfax-Mingo senior Noah Strohmeyer started wrestling four years ago.

In those four years, he qualified for state three times, won 114 matches and won two conference titles.

Strohmeyer fell short of a state medal on Friday afternoon, but when you put into perspective how long he’s been wrestling in his life, the above credentials speak for themselves.

“Noah is a great kid,” Colfax-Mingo coach Erin Hume said. “He’s been here three times and gave everything he had every time.”

Strohmeyer and Lynnville-Sully sophomore Gentry Walston were both on the mat at the Iowa High School State Wrestling Championships on Friday. Both were in win or go home scenarios.

And for both area wrestlers, their losses put an unfortunate end to their seasons.

Strohmeyer, who came into the state tournament ranked No. 7 in Class 1A, went up against fifth-ranked Bryce Thompson (34-4) of Highland Riverside and was knocked out after an 11-3 loss.

He fell behind 5-0 after the first period and couldn’t make up that ground.

“It’s hard to come back at this tournament. Everyone is good here,” Hume said. “So getting down makes things tougher. It can wear on you.”

Walston (31-13) took an early lead against ninth-ranked Andrew Kimball (25-12) of Don Bosco. But he trailed 5-3 after the first period and eventually lost by fall in the second period.

Neither Strohmeyer (35-6) nor Walston had good draws in the second-round consolation round. They both were ousted by ranked wrestlers.

“You get seeded wherever your points landed,” Hume said. “It landed those guys real close to each other. It is what it is.”