Area wrestlers secured their spot on the mat in Des Moines this week by cracking the top two on Saturday at Wapello’s Class 1A districts.

Highland will have a pair of representatives at state in Bryce Thompson and Easton Schlabaugh. Thompson (32-3) made it look easy at 113 lbs with a first period fall in 1:40 in the semifinal and dominating the championship with a 17-3 major decision to place first. Schlabaugh’s (39-6) semifinal pin at 106 lbs in 23 seconds proved to be enough to advance. The sophomore lost the first place match by fall, but did not need to compete in a wrestle back to claim second. Carlos Valenzuela (30-10) was one win shy of moving on by placing third at 126 lbs. The sophomore lost his first match by fall, but turned around to pin his second opponent in 5:13. That win set up a wrestle back with Midland’s Damon Huston where Valenzuela lost by fall in 1:11. 

Landan Provino (5-6) was the lone representative for WACO at districts and the senior will end his career at Wells Fargo Arena. Provino placed second at 285 lbs by pinning his first match in 4:59. Losing by fall in the title round did not matter, as a wrestle back was not needed to advance. 

Schlabaugh, Thompson, and Provino will compete at the state tournament in Des Moines that gets started on Thursday. Listen to KCII throughout the three-day event for updates on area grapplers.