Sports : Viking wrestling logs its first ever State champion

Gabe Sanders State Wrestling Champion

Brady Ortner brings home 3rd

Cooper finishes 2nd in his weight

The Vinton-Shellsburg Viking varsity wrestling team capped off its weekend with its first-ever State wrestling individual champion at the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 19, when senior 152-pounder Gabe Sanders defeated Garrett Seaba of Clarion-Goldfield-Dows in a decision to become the Vikings' first ever State champion.

All six wrestlers scored points for the Vikings at the 2022 State wrestling tournament.  Brady Ortner finished third, Carter Lamont, Aldin Swanson, and Curtis Erickson all finished 1-2, but will be back and better than ever in 2023.  Cooper Sanders lost to Eric Kinkaid of Camanche in the finals 5-2, but he will also be back in 2023.