Boys wrestling rivalry between Independence, West Delaware remains fierce and fun

Some rivalries fizzle and fade. Others become ordinary and predictable.

The boys wrestling rivalry between Independence and West Delaware has remained fun and fierce, fighting for the Del-Buc Trophy that travels to the regular-season winner’s hallway each season.

The “Highway 20 Clash” resumes Thursday night with a No. 4 Independence hosts No. 5 West Delaware in a Class 2A showdown. The Hawks have had the upper hand lately, winning the last 11 meetings and back-to-back one-point victories.

The state tournament in Des Moines and State Duals in Coralville are the crown jewels of the high school wrestling season but both sides look forward to this annual gem.

“If you’re Independence or West Delaware, you’re probably circling each other every year,” Independence ninth-ranked senior 165-pounder Christopher Meyer said. “It’s a big deal. It’s always something you look forward to because the atmosphere is unlike anything else.”

West Delaware is 11-4 in the “Battle for the Del-Buc Trophy” and owns a 48-20 edge in a series that dates back to the 1955-56 season. Regularly, both schools pack the gym for this dual thanks to two enthusiastic and energetic fanbases less than 25 miles apart.

“I think the strength of our wrestling communities has a great impact on the dual meets,” said West Delaware Coach Jake Voss, who competed in the rivalry as a prep. “(West Delaware) loves wrestling and so does Independence. We both take a lot of pride in our programs.”

The travelling trophy added another element to the feud. Interestingly, Independence Coach Michael Doyle wrestled for the Hawks and the trophy was conceived and constructed by opposing assistant coaches – Independence’s Matt Shannon and West Delaware’s Kris Lenz.

“The rivalry just seemed like a trophy was worth adding to it,” Shannon said. “Typically, a high stakes dual every year, why not add something more?

“I think both sides like the idea of being able to display it within their trophy case. There is a pride behind being able to show it off.”

Shannon, a former Independence wrestler and 2007 graduate, thought of the idea in 2009. His design took about two hours and he shared it with Lenz at a meet. Lenz built it in about a week with the help of other wrestling supporters. The Hawks won it the first time it was up for grabs on Jan. 13, 2010.

“Many great memories have been made that night for these young men,” Lenz said. “I feel that might be the importance of this dual, telling them to go out, wrestle your best match and build some great memories. This works for both teams as when you are not in possession of the trophy you want it back. This year’s dual has the same hype as many other years.”

The rivalry has been heated, including a bout where a cheerleader nearly stepped on mat to confront a wrestler. It has also seen its share of upsets highlighted by West Delaware senior reserve Tyger Vaske overcoming a 14-3 deficit to pin state finalist and then No. 1-ranked Brandon O’Brien on Senior Night in 2021.

“There is never a for-sure outcome,” Meyer said. “We have seen teams on paper that were supposed to get dominated come out and win that dual.

“It has that exciting element to it. You never know what is going to happen. On that night, any given year, anything’s possible.”

Independence has eight ranked wrestlers, while West Delaware counters with six. Those ranked wrestlers only intersect at two weights. Independence’s 150-pounder Kam Kremer is ranked sixth and West Delaware’s Croix Gudenkauf is seventh. Meyer is expected to face No. 10 Lane Gudenkauf.

“We are going to expect the unexpected,” Voss said. “We will also expect it to be a fun night.”

The winning team usually rushes the head table to collect its prize that has been stored at West Delaware since 2018. Meyer admitted it is a source of motivation to possess that trophy and the Independence wrestling trophy case feels bare without it. He would trade very little for the opportunity to wrestle in what should be another electric environment.

“We’re very lucky,” Meyer said. “Hundreds and thousands of kids don’t get to compete in an atmosphere like that. It’s a blessing.”

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