Decorah Wrestlers Shine at State: Fullhart Takes Third, Sexton Reaches 100 Wins

Stay informed, stay empowered: invest in the journalism that invests in you. DES MOINES — The Decorah wrestling team descending upon the Wells Fargo arena in downtown Des Moines for an impressive showing at the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament, with multiple athletes making deep runs in their respective brackets. Among the highlights was junior Tommy Sexton reaching a major career milestone, securing his 100th career win on February 19 at the state tournament. Decorah sent a strong contingent of qualifiers to the state meet, held from February 18-21, including Gavin Knutson, Mason Avila, Will Larson, Kasen Tyler, Bill Fullhart and Tommy Sexton. Each wrestler battled through the tough competition, with several securing podium finishes and making their mark on the tournament. Junior Mason Avila delivered a strong performance in the 132-pound weight class, finishing in seventh place. In his final match, Avila dominated Cain Rodgers of North Fayette Valley, winning by major decision, 16-6, to secure his state medal. Junior Tommy Sexton also made waves in the 165-pound bracket, finishing in sixth place after an impressive tournament run. Unfortunately, Sexton was forced to medically forfeit his final match, but not before proving himself as one of the top wrestlers in the state. His tournament journey included several hard-fought matches, including a sudden victory battle against Broedy Hendricks of Humboldt, where he fell just short in an 8-5 decision. Sophomore William Fullhart had one of the best finishes for Decorah, placing third in the 190-pound division. Fullhart capped off his tournament with a thrilling 16-10 decision over Blake Wilson of Burlington Notre Dame to claim the third-place medal. Earlier in the tournament, he had secured a major decision victory over Wilson but fell in a tough match to eventual state champion Bo Koedam of Sergeant Bluff-Luton. Fullhart's resilience throughout the tournament was on full display as he battled through a deep and talented weight class. The state tournament followed an intense schedule, with wrestlers competing across multiple days in a grueling test of endurance and skill. The tournament opened on Wednesday, February 19, with first-round and consolation matches, followed by quarterfinals on February 20, semifinals on February 21, and culminating in the finals and awards ceremony on February 22. Decorah's wrestlers showcased their grit and determination throughout the tournament, proving they could compete with the best in the state. With several returning state qualifiers and young talent on the rise, the Vikings have set a strong foundation for future success on the mat. As the season comes to a close, the team can take pride in their accomplishments, highlighted by podium finishes and Sexton's impressive 100th career victory—a milestone that cements his place in Decorah wrestling history. Other Placements: In the fourth-round consolations of the 144-pound bracket, Junior Will Larson fell to Cadyn Wild of Assumption, Davenport, in an 11-5 decision. Freshman Kasen Tyler also fought valiantly but was edged out by Ben Walsh of Sergeant Bluff-Luton, 12-8. Sophomore Gavin Knutson saw a similar fate, dropping a 10-6 decision to Jayce Curry, also of Sergeant Bluff-Luton. Don't miss out on important updates! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and stay informed about local topics that matter most to you.