Golden Age of Cedar Rapids wrestling

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A couple weeks ago I was on a radio show for the weekly wrestling report. The previous topic was about Metro basketball and how the mid-80's was the golden age of basketball in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area with multiple teams vying/winning state titles. I was asked by one of the hosts what I thought might be the Golden Age of Metro wrestling.

I'm only 34 so this might be a little tough. No doubt I'm not going to be up on ALL of the older teams/wrestlers. I've done some thinking about this and still unsure.

My very first thought is the 1970's During that decade three Metro teams won state titles, including back-to-back titles by Cedar Rapids Jefferson in 1973-74. The J-Hawks were also runner-up in 1972 and fourth in both '75 and '77.

Cedar Rapids Washington kicked off the decade by winning the title in 1970 and placed third in '71. Cedar Rapids Prairie closed the decade winning a state title in 1979, which was sandwiched between runner-up finishes in '78 and '80.

They all had their fair share of state titlists. Washington has never matched the success it had when guys like Gary Menefee (165 in '70), Chuck Smith (185 in '70), Karl Waller (119 in '71) and Glynn (112 in '73) and Chuck Jones (119 in '73) won state gold.

Jefferson crowned seven individual state champs during that time. Dan Rowray (130 in '70), Mike Gallagher (9 and Brad Suma (126) in '72, Gary Bentrim (126) and Don Zimmerman (13 in '73, Jim Comreid (145 in '75) and Jerry Johnson (112 in '77).

Of course those Prairie teams of the late 70's were led by the likes of Barry Davis and Jimmy and Lennie Zalesky. That trio combined for six state titles in their careers.

The 1980's were just as strong individually with names like Gary McCall of Washington, John Regan of Cedar Rapids LaSalle (converged with Cedar Rapids Regis to form Cedar Rapids Xavier) and Lance Paulson of Cedar Rapids Kennedy. All won two titles each.

I also have an affection for the early 90's. I wrestled during that time and the talent was abundant. Mark and Matt Ironside at Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Brent Paulson at Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Mike and Matt Hatcher at Cedar Rapids Prairie. Jeff Watts of Linn-Mar won a state crown at heavyweight around that time as well. LaSalle had a champ in Corey Starry (140) and the Lancers' Tony Milcoff reached the final three times, placing third one other time (I believe).

Even though Prairie and Jefferson were among the state's top teams. The only state titles came from Prairie, winning state duals in 1994 and the traditional title in 1995.

The nod goes to the 1970's based on the combined success of teams and individuals. I'm interested in hearing your opinions.

Source:

KJ Pilcher