SERGEANT BLUFF, Iowa (KTIV) -
The Sergeant Bluff-Luton wrestling team sent five grapplers to the state tournament in Des Moines, and all brought back some much deserved hardware.
On Sunday, they received a champions welcome as they returned to Sergeant Bluff.
The Warriors had the local fire department escort them to their school as fans packed into the gym to honor their athletes.
Devin Phaly finished 7th at 106 pounds, Bret Tomoson 6th at 152 and Steven Garcia and Tyler Nguyen finished 5th in their respective weight classes at 138 and 220.
Colton McCrsystal ended his career at SBL with a state title at 132 pounds.
For Head Coach Clinton Koedam, the experience is one he won't soon forget.
"When I was at Kingsley-Pierson we had some pretty successful teams and there times I came home going, 'It can't get much better than this," Koedam said. "And there seems to be a way each year that it gets a little better and a little more, memorable. I don't want to go a long time without feeling the way I feel now."
Last season, McCyrstal was the Warriors first state champion since Tim Mahin accomplished the feat back in 1983.
But, even after a championship run that saw him finish 45-1 a year ago, McCrystal wasn't satisfied.
"Last year was nice, but with that one loss it was kind of a left a bitter taste. So, this year going undefeated was goal and accomplishing it feels pretty great," Senior Colton McCrystal said. "It's fun. But, it sucks that it's over. That environment is the best to be around and you know, I'm going to miss it."
The senior finished this season with a perfect 50-0 record and with 193 wins for his career.
He'll wrestle at Nebraska next season.
SBL Head Coach Clinton Koedam speaks during the Warriors rally.
