Prairie Wrestling

Williams resigns from Prairie wrestling

Cedar Rapids Prairie wrestling coach Blake Williams announced Monday that he will be leaving the College Community School District effective at the end of the school year.

Williams, who also teaches elementary Physical Education, informed his wrestling team Monday that he was leaving after 12 years to take a teaching position with the Solon Community School District.

Under Williams' direction the Prairie wrestling program has seen a lot of success, as indicated by its consistent finish in the top five of the state traditional tournament in the past four years as well as nine appearances in the state dual team tournament during his 12 years.

Williams accumulated a 253-57 record, including 104-14 in the MVC. He also coached 51 state medal winners, including four state champions.

"Having the chance to teach and coach in the Solon School District where my kids attend and my wife works was an opportunity I could not pass up," said Williams. "This was the most difficult decision I have made in my professional career due to the outstanding support I have received from Prairie. The students, athletes, administrators, staff and the entire Prairie community have been amazing."

Read more...

Kuehl, Cadena share Metro Spotlight Award

Dalton Kuehl of Cedar Rapids Jefferson and Jarod Cadena of Prairie are the co-winners of the Metro Spotlight Award for high school boys this week, the Metro Sports Report announced Sunday.

Kuehl and Cadena both finished second at the Class 3A state wrestling tournament in Des Moines Saturday night, helping their teams to high finishes in the overall standings.

Kuehl, ranked second in the state at 285 pounds, pinned Blake Moser of Iowa City West in the first round in 1:59. He beat eighth-ranked Collin Olson of Ankeny Centennial, 3-1, in the quarterfinals and pinned third-ranked Tyler Clark of Clinton in the semifinals in 2:57.

Read more...

Wenger claims state title at 138

DES MOINES - Josh Wenger got tired of having to settle for fourth place at the Class 3A state wrestling tournament.

This time the Cedar Rapids Prairie star made it all the way to the top.

Wenger defeated top-ranked Dan Kelly of Cedar Falls, 8-2, to win the 138-pound championship Saturday night at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Jarod Cadena of Prairie (182) and Dalton Kuehl of Jefferson (285) lost in the finals.

Wenger finished fourth at the state tournament each year as a freshman, sophomore and junior, but he finished his career in style by dominating Kelly in a battle of Mississippi Valley Conference grapplers.

Read more...

Wenger, Cadena, Kuehl eye state titles

DES MOINES - Josh Wenger, Jarod Cadena and Dalton Kuehl are one step away from winning a coveted state wrestling title, but it won't be easy for any of the Metro seniors.

All three wrestlers will face the top-ranked man in their weight class in the championship round Saturday night at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Wenger, who owns the Cedar Rapids Prairie school record for most wins in a career, will face top-ranked Daniel Kelly of Cedar Falls in a showdown for bragging rights at 138 pounds. Wenger is ranked No. 2 in the state.

Cadena, who is ranked No. 6 at 182 pounds for the Prairie Hawks, will meet top-ranked Mitch Otto of Sioux City East in the finals.

Read more...