Washington’s Karlton Skubal (195) cradles Regina’s Rowan Udell during their match on December 20 at Washington High School. Photo courtesy of the Washington Matbackers.

The Washington Demon wrestling team is ranked ahead of the new year. Washington is undefeated in 16 duals this winter including victories over Class 3A squads Johnston, Waukee, Ankeny, and Des Moines-Hoover.

The first Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association rankings were recently released and Washington is tied for fifth in their Class 2A poll with Davenport Assumption. Assumption, the reigning Class 2A dual champions, lost to Washington in a non-conference grapple, 33-30, on December 1. The Demons’ highest ranking comes from IAwrestle, who rates Washington as the third best dual team in Class 2A. The Predicament has Washington slated as Class 2A’s fifth-best dual team.

In addition, five Washington wrestlers are ranked individually by The Predicament and IAwrestle. Walker Ikerd (106) is the No. 5 grappler according to IAwrestle and the No. 7 wrestler by The Predicament. Kyle Anderson (126) enters the new year as The Predicament’s No. 6 wrestler and the No. 8 grappler according to IAwrestle. Trey Van Weelden (152) is graded as the No. 4 grappler by IAwrestle, while The Predicament rated him as their No. 7 wrestler. Tristin Westphal-Edwards (160) is IAwrestle’s No. 4 wrestler and is No. 6 by the Predicament. Finally, Karlton Skubal (195) is the No. 6 grappler by both sources. Austin Hazelett (145) is rated No. 6 by The Predicament.

The Washington wrestling team continues their season on January 5, traveling to Fort Madison for a Southeast Conference dual versus the Bloodhounds (2-2). Live play-by-play coverage from Fort Madison High School starts with the predual show at 6 p.m. on AM/FM KCII. The dual will also stream live on KCIIRadio.com and on the KCII mobile app.