Douglas said the nation's best high school wrestling recruits are drawn to the state of Iowa. The future of American wrestling goes where Iowa's wrestling goes. Thompson said the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament in Des Moines also draws an incredible amount of fans. The tournament, which is broadcast on Iowa Public Television, will be held at Veterans Memorial Auditorium the last week of February, with wrestling fans filling many of Des Moines' hotels. Thompson attributed wrestling's popularity and success in Iowa to the history and tradition of the sport.
Wrestling is different than other sports.
There are closer bonds, and there's more interaction. Cael Sanderson, ISU's undefeated 184-pound wrestler, was drawn to the sport by tradition. I was always around it, always at tournaments. Ranked No. 2 in the nation, Sanderson has goals of being an Olympic champion as well as ascending to the No. 1 ranking. I want to be the best.