Ames, Ballard and Gilbert qualify seven girls for state wrestling

Three schools combine to send seven wrestlers to the IGHSAU girls state tournament in Coralville.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:31am

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Ames, Gilbert and Ballard combined to qualify seven girls for the IGHSAU girls state wrestling tournament in Coralville on Feb. 5-6. Ames and Gilbert both advanced three wrestlers, while Ballard is sending one wrestler to state following the Class 2A girls regional wrestling tournaments on Jan. 30.

Why it matters

Girls wrestling continues to grow in Iowa, with more schools and athletes participating each year. The state tournament is a showcase of the top female wrestlers in the state, highlighting the talent and dedication of these student-athletes.

The details

At the 2A Region 3 tournament, Ames qualified Lexa Rozevink, Lauryn Metcalf and Jaya Theilen, while Gilbert advanced Tatum Heaberlin, Kate Melody and Cece Wagner at the 2A Region 6 meet. Ballard's Evelyn Faubus also qualified for state out of the 2A Region 6 tournament.

  • The IGHSAU girls state wrestling tournament takes place on Feb. 5-6 at the Xtream Arena in Coralville.
  • Session 1 of the girls state wrestling tournament runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 5, and Session 2 takes place from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. later that evening.
  • On Feb. 6, sessions 3 and 4 start at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively, and the championship matches will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The players

Lexa Rozevink

A four-time state qualifier and 2025 state runner-up at 135 pounds for Ames.

Lauryn Metcalf

A three-time state qualifier for Ames, ranked No. 6 at 140 in 2A.

Jaya Theilen

A second-time state qualifier for Ames, placing second at 125 in the 2A Region 3 tournament.

Tatum Heaberlin

A returning state qualifier for Gilbert, ranked No. 9 in 2A at 130.

Evelyn Faubus

Ballard's first-time state qualifier, placing second at 120 in the 2A Region 6 tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The IGHSAU girls state wrestling tournament will take place on Feb. 5-6 at the Xtream Arena in Coralville.

The takeaway

The success of these local wrestlers at the regional tournaments highlights the continued growth and competitiveness of girls wrestling in Iowa. These student-athletes have worked hard to reach the state tournament, showcasing their skills and dedication to the sport.