Southeast Polk Dominates Class 3A Wrestling Quarterfinals

Rams extend lead, send six to semifinals as Iowa high school state tournament continues

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament continued Thursday night with the Class 3A quarterfinal session. Southeast Polk extended its lead atop the team standings, sending six wrestlers to the semifinals. Other top teams like Dowling Catholic, Indianola, and Waukee Northwest also had strong showings, with multiple semifinalists. The stage is set for an exciting finish to the tournament this weekend.

Why it matters

The Iowa high school state wrestling tournament is one of the premier events in the state, drawing top talent from across Iowa. Southeast Polk's continued dominance underscores their status as a wrestling powerhouse, as they seek a third consecutive team title. The semifinal matchups feature many of the state's best wrestlers, setting up an intense battle for individual state championships.

The details

Southeast Polk leads the Class 3A team standings with 117.5 points, 29 ahead of second-place Dowling Catholic. The Rams advanced six wrestlers to the semifinals: Amir Newman-Winfrey (106), Mat Prine (120), Eddie Woody (126), Nico DeSalvo (138), Wil Oberbroeckling (144), and Justis Jesuroga (150). Ankeny Centennial also had a strong showing, with Iowa State commits Cale Vandermark (126) and Max Dhabolt (175) reaching the semifinals. Other top teams with multiple semifinalists include Dowling Catholic, Indianola, Waukee Northwest, and Urbandale.

  • The Iowa high school state wrestling tournament continued on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • The Class 3A quarterfinal session took place on the night of February 19, 2026.

The players

Southeast Polk

The defending Class 3A team champions, Southeast Polk extended their lead atop the team standings by sending six wrestlers to the semifinals.

Cale Vandermark

An Ankeny Centennial senior and Iowa State commit, Vandermark reached the semifinals in the 126-pound weight class.

Max Dhabolt

An Ankeny Centennial junior and Iowa State commit, Dhabolt reached the semifinals in the 175-pound weight class after winning a state title as a sophomore.

Dowling Catholic

The Maroons sit in second place in the Class 3A team standings, with four wrestlers advancing to the semifinals.

Indianola

In third place, Indianola has two wrestlers - Elijah Bleweitt (150) and Mac Crosson (165) - seeking state championships.

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What they’re saying

“I got to help my team out, we got to win another team title. Actually, not even just win a team title, we got to break that (points) record again.”

— Amir Newman-Winfrey, Southeast Polk freshman (Des Moines Register)

“I've always been a little bit closer, a little bit closer, just inching towards winning this thing. I know that's what I'm going to do this year.”

— Cale Vandermark, Ankeny Centennial senior (Des Moines Register)

What’s next

The Iowa high school state wrestling tournament will continue on Friday, February 20, 2026 with the semifinal and consolation rounds. The championship finals will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The takeaway

Southeast Polk's continued dominance in Class 3A wrestling underscores their status as the team to beat, as they seek to break their own points record and win a third straight team title. However, several other top programs like Dowling Catholic, Indianola, and Ankeny Centennial have wrestlers with legitimate state title aspirations, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the tournament.