Mount Vernon Wrestlers Find Success at State

Colton Johnson

Sophomore Jackson Jaspers (138) returned to 2A State Wrestling Feb. 17-20 in Des Moines, bringing along juniors Henry Ryan (152) and Clark Younggreen (225). Jaspers placed fourth after finishing seventh place last year. Younggreen came in sixth. Ryan had a successful junior season making it to state, yet falling short of making the podium. 

These three wrestlers broke numerous records this year. Younggreen is first in season falls at 34, Ryan second with 27, and Jaspers tied for fourth with 25. Younggreen also tied for first in season wins with 47. Jaspers is in second in season wins with 45, and Ryan tied for third with 43.

Younggreen came out strong with a pin on the first day of state, saying he “enjoyed wrestling in the big space with tons of people.” He said that wrestling at Wells Fargo Arena was “a huge change in wrestling with all those people watching.“ Younggreen made it to the winner bracket heading into Friday’s matches, winning by fall over Sawyer Falck  of West Delaware. 

The competition wasn’t easy on Friday, where Younggreen lost by decision to Jaxon Cherry of Webster City, but then he won the next rounds. ‘’I can do a lot better than I did,” said Younggreen. “I believe that I could have done better in the third quarters.‘’ On Saturday, Aiden Morgan of Davenport Assumption 32-5 won by decision over Younggreen.

Jaspers started the first day off going 1-1. ‘’I could have wrestled harder in the third quarter in my first match,‘ ’he said. Jaspers lost to Logan Powers from Roland-Story  by points (11-9). Coming into the next day, he was looking for a better podium finish than his freshman year. 

Jackson’s technique, skill and determination all helped him get his fourth place podium finish. With his teammates on the side to help cheer him on. After the whole thing Jaspers has to say, ‘’I’m proud that I had the chance to wrestle and beat the kid I lost to on the first day.” Jaspers faced Logan Powers again on Saturday winning this time (7-4). 

Ryan had both a loss and win on Thursday, but lost 152- Cons. Round 2 to Logan Peyton of West Delaware 36-9  by decision on Friday.