Dan McCool 
Reach for the Stars 
The Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament

Wrestling is as much a part of winter in Iowa as is snow and cold. Dreams of state championships begin in elementary school and, since 1972, come to fruition — or heart-breakingly fall short — at an arena in Des Moines in February or March. In 2011, the tournament finals sold out for the 24th consecutive year. Individuals and teams carve their names on the sports history tree each year. Some champions were blind, some were deaf, some were amputees but all earn the respect of thousands for their work ethic — a hallmark of the states populace. Is this heaven? No, its better than that. Its high school wrestling in Iowa!