We are bringing one of the state’s heavy hitters to the 2019 War at West Gym as Fort Dodge standout Drake Ayala will make his second appearance in the event. His challenger will be a wrestlers in similar shoes to his own a year ago, as Iowa City West freshman Hunter Garvin, who was a fellow state finalist in Class 3A.
A year ago Ayala entered into the West Gym a state runner-up looking to knock of a veteran in Daniel Kimball, a feat that he accomplished by a score of 6-5. Already known on the national scene Ayala solidified his national resume adding top three finishes at Fargo and Super 32. He then went on to a dominant sophomore season, winning his first state title and being selected as a 3A finalist for the Dan Gable Mr. Wrestler of the Year award. By now folks around the country know the name Ayala and the sophomore will look to continue to build upon his already impressive career.
The other side of this match features a young up and coming wrestler who came up one win short of his goal at the state tournament. Perhaps providing some extra motivation for Garvin will be the fact that it was one of Ayala’s teammates, Carson Taylor, that defeated him in the state finals. Not only would a win for Garvin give the West freshman a huge boost to his national profile, but he will have an opportunity to do so against a wrestler from the same school as the one that dashed a dream almost two weeks ago.
About the War at West Gym:
IAwrestle is pleased to announce that our “War at West Gym” event will be returning to Cedar Falls on Saturday, March 16th. The event will once again be held in the University of Northern Iowa’s West Gym and will pit some of the state’s top talent against one another, as well as feature talented wrestlers from across the country.
Fans are able to purchase tickets at the door, but are encouraged to buy tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased for $10 on Eventbrite.
VIP tickets for the event are also available for purchase by contacting Tony Hager (Email: iawrestlecontact@gmail.com). The VIP tickets provides fans the opportunity to sit matside to watch the action, putting them right on top of the action. VIP ticket price is $50, contact Hager for more details.
Group discount rates are also available for wrestling clubs, or large blocs of fans looking to attend the event. Contact iawrestlecontact@gmail.com for details.
For those unable to attend the dual a live stream will be available through Trackwrestling. For our Season Pass subscribers the “War at West Gym” event is already included in the $65 initial fee, but fans will also have the option to purchase the stream for a one time $10 fee.
Announced Lineup:
Chloe Clemons (Cedar Rapids Jefferson) vs Sydney Park (Davenport Central)
Ali Gerbacht (AGWSR) vs Tateum Park (Davenport North)
Trever Andersen (Ankeny) vs Marcel Lopez (New London)
Drake Ayala (Fort Dodge) vs Hunter Garvin (Iowa City West)
Adam Allard (West Sioux) vs Hayden Taylor (Solon)
Caleb Rathjen (Ankeny) vs Robert Avila (Lisbon)
Jack Thomsen (Union) vs Eli Loyd (Pleasant Valley)
About the Author
Garvin lost to Carson Taylor in finals.
not sure why I put “semi” in there. Brain fart I guess. Thanks for the correction.