Though small in numbers, Iola High’s wrestling program featured plenty to boast about in the 2021-22 season.
Head coach Jason Bates has announced his season-ending award winners for IHS, including outgoing seniors TJ Taylor and Trent Jones as co-winners of the Mustangs’ Outstanding Wrestler Award.
They, along with Wyatt Westervelt, were the three Iola qualifiers for the Class 4A State Meet in Salina in late February.
Taylor, wrestling at 132 pounds, compiled a team-leading 29-8 record, and opened the season with six straight finals appearances. He overcame injury during regionals to qualify for state, the third time in four years he made it to Salina.
Jones, meanwhile, went 26-6, while steamrolling his way to a Pioneer League championship. Like Taylor, Jones is a three-time state qualifier and league titlist.
“They led the way all year long, and they both have unique qualities and both compete at the absolute highest levels of what we want out of each and every one of our athletes,” Bates said. “While they came up short of being on the podium at the KSHSAA 4A State Championships, there’s no doubt both of these guys have led the way from a competitive and successful standpoint this season.”
Taylor also brought home Iola’s Commitment Award and Scholastic Achievement Award.
“Taylor is a unique kid because he does everything that we expect and want out of student-athletes,” Bates said. “He excelled in the classroom, being one of the best students within our program.”
Taylor has maintained a 3.93 cumulative grade-point average and is a two-time Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic First Team recipient.
“TJ started his career in the Iola Kids wrestling program when he was 5 years old and has wrestled every year since,” he continued. “There’s no doubt his commitment in the classroom and in the practice room makes him a great example and role model of what we expect from our Mustang wrestlers.”
BATES announced several other honorees.
The Mustangs’ third state qualifier, Westervelt, a junior, went 23-13 on the year at 195 pounds and earned the Most Improved Wrestler Award.
Bates recalled Westervelt’s dramatic win over a wrestler from Girard at Regionals, in which the referee gave Westervelt’s opponent a penalty point late in their qualifying match after Westervelt had forged a 4-0 lead.
Rather than panic, Westervelt quickly refocused, and was able to score again to seal his 6-1 victory.
Awash in a sea of emotion, Westervelt collapsed onto the mat afterward.
The scene was worthy of the program’s “Special Moment Award,” Bates said.
Korbin Cloud, a sophomore, brought home the Outstanding Newcomer Award, earning a pin in his first-ever high school match.
