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Here are all 33 of Iowa’s four-time state high school wrestling champions

In the 97-year history of the Iowa high school state wrestling championships, only 33 wrestlers have won four individual state titles.

Two more wrestlers could join the list at this week's 2024 Iowa high school boys state wrestling championships, set for Feb. 14-17 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Waukee Northwest's Carter Freeman and Waterloo East's Max Magayna are both able to join this exclusive class should they win titles at 138 and 175 pounds. Freeman enters the tournament 34-1, while Magayna is 41-0. Both hold the No. 1 seeds in their weight class.

Here are the 33 four-timers:

Bob Steenlage, Britt

Years: 1959-62

Iowa's first four-timer came 36 years after the Iowa High School Athletic Association took control of the state wrestling tournament. He won at 95, 103, 112 and 120 pounds.


Jeff Kerber, Emmetsburg

Years: 1976-79

Kerber became the second four-timer 17 years after Steenlage, winning at 98, 112, 119 and 126 pounds. Kerber was the first four-timer to go undefeated for his career, posting a 126-0 record.


Scott Morningstar, Lisbon

Scott Morningstar of Lisbon, top, became the third wrestler to win a fourth state title in 1980. In this 1979 photo from the state tournament, he is competing against Don Bosco of Gilbertville's Ed Fischels. Morningstar finished with a high school record of 115-1-1.
Scott Morningstar of Lisbon, top, became the third wrestler to win a fourth state title in 1980. In this 1979 photo from the state tournament, he is competing against Don Bosco of Gilbertville's Ed Fischels. Morningstar finished with a high school record of 115-1-1.

Years: 1977-80

A wave of wrestlers followed Kerber as four-time champs. Morningstar won his fourth state title the year after Kerber won his fourth. Morningstar's son, Ryan, would go on to win three state titles.


Joe Gibbons, Waterloo Columbus/Ames

Joe Gibbons became the fourth four-timer, but the first to win his four titles across two different schools. He won his first two at Waterloo Columbus, in 1978-79, then won his last two at Ames, in 1980-81.
Joe Gibbons became the fourth four-timer, but the first to win his four titles across two different schools. He won his first two at Waterloo Columbus, in 1978-79, then won his last two at Ames, in 1980-81.

Years: 1978-81

Gibbons became the fourth four-timer, but the first to win his four titles across two different schools. He won his first two at Waterloo Columbus, in 1978-79, then won his last two at Ames, in 1980-81. The Gibbons family has combined to win 10 total state titles — Joe won four, Jim won three, Jeff won two and Tim won one.


Greg Randall, Mount Vernon

Years: 1979-82

For the fourth straight season, another wrestler wins a fourth state title. This time, it's Randall, who won at 98, 112, 126 and 132 pounds.


Mark Schwab, Osage

Osage's Mark Schwab is pictured in this 1984 photo pinning Steve Hamilton of Emmetsburg in the quarterfinals of the state tournament. Schwab became the head coach at North Iowa Area Community College.
Osage's Mark Schwab is pictured in this 1984 photo pinning Steve Hamilton of Emmetsburg in the quarterfinals of the state tournament. Schwab became the head coach at North Iowa Area Community College.

Years: 1982-85

Schwab became Iowa's sixth four-timer in 1985, winning twice at 98 pounds, then again at 105 and his fourth at 112. He won his first title the year Randall won his fourth.


Dan Knight, Clinton

Years: 1984-87

Knight is Iowa's seventh four-timer, and the fifth to win his fourth title in the 1980s. Knight, who now coaches at Bettendorf, won at 98, 112 and twice at 126 pounds, compiling a perfect 128-0 record along the way. The Knight family — Dan, Jeff, Steve, along with Evan and Colby, Steve's kids — also combined to win 10 state titles. Dan's son, Jake Knight, won a state title last year.


Shane Light, Lisbon

Years: 1987-90

Light became Iowa's eighth four-timer, and the first of four four-timers in the 1990s. He was also the second four-timer from Lisbon. Only five schools have produced multiple four-time champions: Iowa City High, Lisbon, Ogden, Don Bosco and Centerville.


Jeff McGinness, Iowa City High

1992: Jeff McGinness of Iowa City High (top) becomes the ninth wrestler to win a fourth state crown in 1993. He is pictured in wrestling Joe Crum of Cedar Falls.
1992: Jeff McGinness of Iowa City High (top) becomes the ninth wrestler to win a fourth state crown in 1993. He is pictured in wrestling Joe Crum of Cedar Falls.

Years: 1990-93

McGinness became the ninth four-time state champion, posting a 172-0 career record along the way. The IHSAA expanded to three wrestling classes ahead of the 1968-69 season, and Knight and McGinness became the first two wrestlers to win all four state titles in Iowa's largest of the three classes.


Jason Keenan, Ogden

1995: Ogden's Jason Keenan, left, in 1995 became the 10th wrestler to win a fourth Iowa high school state title.
1995: Ogden's Jason Keenan, left, in 1995 became the 10th wrestler to win a fourth Iowa high school state title.

Years: 1992-95

Keenan became No. 10, winning his titles at 103, 112, 119 and 125 pounds. He was also the first of two from Ogden.


Eric Juergens, Maquoketa

Maquoketa's Eric Juergens shares a moment with his coach, Jeff Tampir, after winning a fourth state championship in 1996. Juergens finished his career with a 144-0 record. He became the head coach at Augustana of Illinois.
Maquoketa's Eric Juergens shares a moment with his coach, Jeff Tampir, after winning a fourth state championship in 1996. Juergens finished his career with a 144-0 record. He became the head coach at Augustana of Illinois.

Years: 1993-96

Juergens went 144-0 on his way to becoming Iowa's 11th four-time state champ. He also won his four titles at 103, 112, 119 and 125 pounds.


Jesse Sundell, Ogden

Ogden's Jesse Sundell entered the 2001 state tournament with the goal of becoming the 12th wrestler to win a fourth state title in Iowa.
Ogden's Jesse Sundell entered the 2001 state tournament with the goal of becoming the 12th wrestler to win a fourth state title in Iowa.

Years: 1998-01

Sundell followed Keenan as Ogden's second four-timer, and Iowa's first to win his fourth state title in the 21st century. Sundell is now Ogden's wrestling coach.


Mack Reiter, Don Bosco

Don Bosco of Gilbertville's Mack Reiter entered the 2003 state tournament hoping to become the 13th wrestler to claim a fourth state title. His coach, at right, was Tom Kettman.
Don Bosco of Gilbertville's Mack Reiter entered the 2003 state tournament hoping to become the 13th wrestler to claim a fourth state title. His coach, at right, was Tom Kettman.

Years: 2000-03

The 2002-03 season — already two decades ago! — was a special one for Iowa high school wrestling, as both Mack Reiter and C.J. Ettelson became the first two four-timers to win their fourth titles in the same season. Reiter won all of his in Class 1A to become the Dons' first four-timer.


C.J. Ettelson, Hudson

Hudson's C.J. Ettelson joined Mack Reiter as hoping to win a fourth title in the 2003 state tournament.
Hudson's C.J. Ettelson joined Mack Reiter as hoping to win a fourth title in the 2003 state tournament.

Years: 2000-03

Ettelson won his first three titles in Class 2A, then Hudson dropped to 1A for his final championship run. Hudson had three individual state wrestling titles before Ettelson came along and won four.


Dan LeClere, North Linn

North Linn's Daniel LeClere, top, beat Brett Rose of Woodbury Central of Moville and won his fourth state championship in 2005 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
North Linn's Daniel LeClere, top, beat Brett Rose of Woodbury Central of Moville and won his fourth state championship in 2005 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

Years: 2002-05

Two years after Reiter and Ettelson won four at the same time, LeClere and Jay Borschel did the same between 2002-05. LeClere won all of his in Class 1A.


Jay Borschel, Linn-Mar

Jay Borschel gets some help in celebrating title No. 4 in 2005 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. He spent a season at Virginia Tech before transferring to the University of Iowa.
Jay Borschel gets some help in celebrating title No. 4 in 2005 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. He spent a season at Virginia Tech before transferring to the University of Iowa.

Years: 2002-05

Borschel won all four in Class 3A, winning at 103, 125, 152 and 171 pounds. Both his and LeClere's senior seasons were chronicled in the book "Four Days To Glory," written by Mark Kreidler.


T.J. Sebolt, Centerville

T.J. Sebolt, owner and head coach of the Sebolt Wrestling Academy, poses for a photo in the wrestling room of the Grant Robbins Fieldhouse in Jefferson on Tuesday, July 13, 2021.
T.J. Sebolt, owner and head coach of the Sebolt Wrestling Academy, poses for a photo in the wrestling room of the Grant Robbins Fieldhouse in Jefferson on Tuesday, July 13, 2021.

Years: 2003-06

Sebolt became Iowa's 17th four-timer, and the first to win his fourth title at Wells Fargo Arena, after the IHSAA previously held the event at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. He was also the first Iowa high school wrestler to record 200 career victories.


Bart Reiter, Don Bosco

2009: Bart Reiter, Don Bosco (Gilbertville), celebrates his fourth state title championship over Cameron Wagner, Belle Plaine, in the Class 1-A wrestling finals.
2009: Bart Reiter, Don Bosco (Gilbertville), celebrates his fourth state title championship over Cameron Wagner, Belle Plaine, in the Class 1-A wrestling finals.

Years: 2006-09

Bart Reiter joined brother Mack as a four-time state champion, becoming the first set of brothers to become four-time state champs. They would not be the last, either.


Nick Moore, Iowa City West

Iowa City West's Nick Moore jumps into the arms of coach Mark Reiland after defeating Indianola's Spencer BeLieu during the 160-pound Class 3A championship match at the state wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. It was the fourth consecutive state title for Moore.
Iowa City West's Nick Moore jumps into the arms of coach Mark Reiland after defeating Indianola's Spencer BeLieu during the 160-pound Class 3A championship match at the state wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. It was the fourth consecutive state title for Moore.

Years: 2007-10

Moore went 183-1 on his way to winning four state titles for the late Mark Reiland at West. Moore won his titles at 130, 140, 152 and 160 pounds.


Cory Clark, Southeast Polk

Years: 2009-12

Clark became the 20th four-timer in Iowa history, winning his titles at 103, 112, 119 and 126 pounds on his way to a 185-1 career record. He went on to become a four-time All-American at Iowa, which included three NCAA finals appearances and one national title.


John Meeks, Des Moines Roosevelt

John Meeks receives his fourth state championship medal after his 138-pound match against Connor Ryan of Bettendorf.
John Meeks receives his fourth state championship medal after his 138-pound match against Connor Ryan of Bettendorf.

Years: 2009-12

Meeks became Iowa's 21st four-timer with a 168-0 career record, winning the same year as Clark. Meeks is responsible for four of Roosevelt's 12 all-time individual state wrestling titles.


Jake Marlin, Creston

Years: 2010-13

In back-to-back seasons, there were multiple four-time state champs. In 2013, it was Marlin and Brandon Sorensen. Both of them won all four of their titles in Class 2A, too.


Brandon Sorensen, Denver-Tripoli

Years: 2010-13

Sorensen won his four state titles at 119, 130, 132 and 145 pounds, then went on to become a four-time All-American for the Iowa Hawkeyes.


Max Thomsen, Union

Years: 2012-15

Thomsen compiled a 210-1 career record while winning four Class 2A state titles. He also won 199 consecutive matches, which is tied for the longest winning streak in state history.


Carter Happel, Lisbon

Lisbon's Carter Happel celebrates his win in the 145 title match Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 during the class 1A state wrestling tournament finals in Des Moines.
Lisbon's Carter Happel celebrates his win in the 145 title match Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 during the class 1A state wrestling tournament finals in Des Moines.

Years: 2013-16

Happel became Iowa's 25th four-time state champion, and also Lisbon's third, joining Morningstar and Light. He went 209-1 overall, which included 172 wins in a row.


Brody Teske, Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge's Brody Teske celebrates after beating Kaleb Olejniczak of Perry during their class 3A 126 pound championship match at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Des Moines. This was Teske's his fourth state title.
Fort Dodge's Brody Teske celebrates after beating Kaleb Olejniczak of Perry during their class 3A 126 pound championship match at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, in Des Moines. This was Teske's his fourth state title.

Years: 2015-18

Teske went 177-1 and became Fort Dodge's first four-time state champion. His only loss came to Underwood's Alex Thomsen, another four-time state champion who also finished his career with a single loss, to Teske.


Alex Thomsen, Underwood

Years: 2015-18

Thomsen went 190-1 and became Underwood's first four-time state champion. His only loss came to Fort Dodge's Brody Teske, another four-time state champion who also finished his career with a single loss, to Thomsen.


Cael Happel, Lisbon

Lisbon senior Cael Happel reacts after pinning Underwood senior Logan James in their match at 138 pounds during the 2020 Iowa high school state wrestling tournament finals at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. The win made Happel a 4-time state champion.
Lisbon senior Cael Happel reacts after pinning Underwood senior Logan James in their match at 138 pounds during the 2020 Iowa high school state wrestling tournament finals at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. The win made Happel a 4-time state champion.

Years: 2017-20

Happel joined older brother Carter as a four-time state champion. He was Iowa's 28th four-timer, Lisbon's fourth four-timer, and gave the Happel family 11 total state titles — four each for Carter and Cael, and three from father Dean, from 1982-84.

Matthew Lewis, Centerville

Centerville's Matthew Lewis wins the Class 2A 145 Iowa High School State Wrestling Championship on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, at Wells Fargo Arena, in Des Moines. A 3-2 victory over Osage's Nick Fox cemented Lewis as the 29th four-time state wrestling champion in Iowa.
Centerville's Matthew Lewis wins the Class 2A 145 Iowa High School State Wrestling Championship on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, at Wells Fargo Arena, in Des Moines. A 3-2 victory over Osage's Nick Fox cemented Lewis as the 29th four-time state wrestling champion in Iowa.

Years: 2018-21

Lewis joined Sebolt as another four-timer for Centerville, winning at 106, 113, 126 and 145 pounds.

Marcel Lopez, New London

New London's Marcel Lopez defeats Riverside-Oakland's Jace Rose in the Class 1A 126 pound state wrestling championship match Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. 
New London's Marcel Lopez defeats Riverside-Oakland's Jace Rose in the Class 1A 126 pound state wrestling championship match Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Years: 2019-22

Lopez became New London's first-ever four-time state champ, winning at 106, 113, 120 and 126 pounds in Class 1A. New London has 11 all-time individual state wrestling titles, and Lopez is responsible for four of them.


Carter Fousek, Crestwood

Carter Fousek, Crestwood-Cresco, becomes a four-time state wrestling champion by defeating Logan Arp, South Tama County, in the Class 2A 138 state wrestling championship match, on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Carter Fousek, Crestwood-Cresco, becomes a four-time state wrestling champion by defeating Logan Arp, South Tama County, in the Class 2A 138 state wrestling championship match, on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Years: 2019-22

Fousek joined Lopez as a four-time state champ, winning his four titles in Class 2A at 106, 113, 126 and 138 pounds. Fousek became the first four-timer in the history of the storied Crestwood/Cresco wrestling program.

Ben Kueter, Iowa City High

Ben Kueter, Iowa City, City High, wins the Class 3A 220-pound state wrestling championship, on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at Wells Fargo Arena, in Des Moines.
Ben Kueter, Iowa City, City High, wins the Class 3A 220-pound state wrestling championship, on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at Wells Fargo Arena, in Des Moines.

Years: 2020-23

Kueter is the latest male wrestler to become a four-time champion, and did so by finishing 111-0 in his high school career before heading to Iowa to play football and wrestle for the Hawkeyes.

Naomi Simon, Decorah

Decorah's Naomi Simon celebrates after winning the 170-pound championship at the IGHSAU girls state wrestling tournament Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 at Xtream Arena in Coralville.
Decorah's Naomi Simon celebrates after winning the 170-pound championship at the IGHSAU girls state wrestling tournament Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 at Xtream Arena in Coralville.

Years: 2021-24

Simon became the first female wrestler to ever win four state titles in Iowa, completing her career with a 130-0 record. She's committed to wrestle for the Iowa women's wrestling program.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Who are Iowa’s 4-time state wrestling champs throughout history?