Fan Voting Opens for 2026 Dan Gable Mr. & Ms. Wrestler of the Year

Top 15 Finalists Announced; Fan Votes Play a Key Role, But Do Not Decide Advancements Alone

Fareway Stores, Inc., IAwrestle, and Iowa Corn are proud to present the 2026 Dan Gable Mr. and Ms. Wrestler of the Year Awards, in coordination with the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA).

The IWCOA accepted nominations from high school wrestling coaches across Iowa for student-athletes in all three boys’ classes and two girls’ classes, regardless of grade or weight class. From those nominations, an IWCOA-selected committee identified 15 finalists in each category to advance into the public voting phase.

How Fan Voting Works (Important for Voters to Know)

Fan voting is designed to engage local communities and supporters, but it is one part of a larger selection process.

• Fans may vote once per list at Facebook.com/IAwrestle

• Round 1 Voting: January 29 – February 8
  → Field narrows from 15 to 7

• Round 2 Voting: February 9 – February 22
  → Field narrows from 7 to 3 finalists

• Winners Announced: March 10 at 11:30 AM
  → Fareway Conference Center, Boone, Iowa

Key Clarification on Advancing

Winning the fan vote does NOT automatically guarantee advancement.

• The committee consists of 12 voting members

• Fan voting counts as ONE additional vote, serving as the 13th vote

• Advancement is determined by the combined committee and fan voting results

Example:
A wrestler may finish second or even first in fan voting, but if they do not receive enough total votes from the IWCOA committee, they may not advance to the next round.

This structure ensures the awards reflect both community support and expert evaluation.

Awards & Recognition

• The top three finalists in each category will be honored at the awards banquet

• The winner will receive the Dan Gable Wrestler of the Year trophy

• Two runner-up finalists in each class will receive finalist plaques

• Each finalist’s high school will also receive duplicate trophies or plaques for permanent display in their school trophy case

Special Guests

Dan Gable, Mark Ironside, and Alex Marinelli will serve as special guests and present awards. Media members are encouraged to attend.

Vote – Class 1A Mr. Wrestler of the Year – Top 15

Aidan Timm – Belle Plaine
Ashton Honnold – Nodaway Valley
Ayden Bergman – Jesup
Boston Peters – Westwood, Sloan
Brock Mulder – Boyden Hull- Rock Valley
Cooper Hinz – Jesup
Dawson Youngblut – Don Bosco
Drew Anderson – Riverside, Oakland
Hayden Schwab – Don Bosco
Hendrix Schwab -Don Bosco
Kaden Belinsky – Don Bosco
Keaton Moeller – Starmont
Kyler Sallis – Don Bosco
Steve Brandenburg – Lake Mills
Teague Smith – West Hancock, Britt

Vote – Class 2A Mr. Wrestler of the Year – Top 15

Blake Fox – Osage
Boden White – Dener
Carter Schmauss – Crestwood, Cresco
Dylan Williamson – Van Meter
Eaghan Fleshman – Alburnette
Easton Enyeart – Ballard
Gage Spurgeon – EBF
Gavin Landers – Denver
Jacob McCargill – Shenandoah
Landen Davis – EBF
Liam Adlfinger – Wilton
Mason Koehler – Glenwood
Mikey Ryan – Mount Vernon
Tucker Wheeler – PCM
Urijah Courter – West Marshall

Vote – Class 3A Mr. Wrestler of the Year – Top 15

Alexander Pierce – Iowa City West
Amir Newman-Winfrey – Southeast Polk
Cody Trevino – Bettendorf
Cruz Gannon – Dowling Catholic
Dreshaun Ross – Fort Dodge
Eddie Woody Jr. – Southeast Polk
Jake Knight – Bettendorf
Jaxon Miller – Carlisle
Justis Jesuroga – Southeast Polk
Lincoln Jipp – Bettendorf
Max Crosson – Indianola
Maximus Dhabolt – Ankeny Centennial
Nico DeSalvo – Southeast Polk
Nolan Fellers – Bondurant-Farrar
Wil Oberbroeckling – Southeast Polk

Vote – Class 1A Ms. Wrestler of the Year – Top 15

Abigail Peterson – Denver
Ainsley Hemann – Osage
Anna O’Rear – West Delaware
Bricsia Garcia-Vasquez – West Liberty
Brooklyn Graham – East Buchanan
Chloe Sanders – Vinton-Shellsburg
Erica Irvine – Don Bosco
Greta Brus – Assumption
Haley Armstrong – Atlantic
Kenadee Helscher – Wapello
Lilli Cooper – Denver
Lily Weinreich – Clarinda
Lyni Gusick – Alburnett
Skylar Wegener – Northeast Community
Teagan Carritt – Logan-Magnolia

Vote – Class 2A Ms. Wrestler of the Year – Top 15

Amalia Djoumessi – WSR
Anastasia Simon – Decorah
Avaeh Smith – Lewis Central
Bella Miller – Dubuque Hempstead
Briar Ludeman – Cedar Falls
Calista Rodish – Raccoon River
Cassidy McCallister – Raccoon River
Emelia Reyes – Cedar Rapids Prairie
Katie Biscoglia – Raccoon River
Kiara Ruiz – Spencer
Lexa Rozevink – Ames
Nora Ohnemus – Indianola
Siera Becker – Indianola
Skylar Slade – Southeast Polk
Tegan Robertson – Ridge View