Max Thomsen became just the 25th wrester in Iowa history to win four state titles. For photos of all seven Union state participants, as well as a list of sponsors congratulating the Knights, pick up a copy of this week's print issue!

The Union High School Wrestling team showed up in full force in state competition this past weekend. The state wrestling tournament was held in Des Moines at the Wells Fargo Arena starting Thursday and wrapping up on Saturday night.

After an extremely successful year at various meets and different competitions, Union headed to state with eight wrestlers in the spotlight: Jon Hellman 106, Derek Holschlag 113, Max Thomsen 145, Trevor McLaughlin 160, Jacob Holschlag 170, Tanner Shirk 182, Jace Hadachek 220, and Michael Ahrendsen 285. Four out of the eight placed, and two of the boys took home first place as State Champions. Union tied for second as a team overall, and were champions of the State Team Duals for Class 2A.

Another proud accomplishment for Union is that Coach Curt Hilmer has now won a state championship in two sports: football and wrestling. Congratulations to all the coaches, and Kurt for this special win!

Jon Hellman, who is a junior at Union, went up against Michael Millage of Cresco in his first match. After a hard fight, the winner was Millage by major decision. Millage went on to place first in the 106 weight class.

Derek Holschlag, sophomore, went up against Spencer Johnson of Southeast Valley in his first match. Holschlag won by major decision and continued to the next round, where he battled Jared Hensley of Bedford-Lenox. Derek won in impressive fashion again by major decision and continued on. Next, he took down Devin Phaly of Sergeant Bluff and continued to the championship match where he went up against Brennen Doebel. Doebel went on to win the first place spot, but it wasn’t accomplished easily. The match between Holschlag and Doebel went into overtime before Doebel finally took the win.

Max Thomsen is a senior this year at Union; he is also reigning state champ of his weight class. Max won state champ all three prior years of his high school wrestling career. That means making it to state this year put him in the running to do something that not many people ever have. He was battling for his fourth consecutive state champ title, something only 24 people in Iowa State Wrestling history have ever accomplished. This would put him in the spotlight with former wrestling greats such as Gable, Steenlage, and Kerber.

Max was ready for the challenge, and victory was the only thing on his mind. In his first match, he took down Wyatt Rhoads of Gilbert. In the quarter and semi-final rounds he continued to strive and succeeded in beating Blake Lawless of Albia and Tanner Mertz of Red Oak. Thomsen was now at the championship round and just moments away from making the record books. Thomsen wrestled Caleb Coleman of Bondurant and took home the win. Thomsen finished his high school wresting career as Iowa’ all-time most winnings holder with 210 matches won and the 25th person in Iowa wrestling history to reign as state champ for all four years.

“It feels amazing to win! I am so honored to be part of such an extraordinary group of wrestlers,” Thomsen said. “I’d like to give a huge thanks to the coaches and all my teammates that helped me reach my goals, I couldn’t have done it without them!”

Jacob Holschlag, senior, went up against Tyler Strong of Sergeant Bluff and took him down in the first round. He then fought Damon Piatt of Carlisle, and took the victory in the quarterfinals. Holschlag went on to the semi-finals and wrestled JJ Clark of Clarinda. Jacob went on to a victory in the semi-finals as well and was then up against Nick Baumler of North Fayette. Jacob was ready for the fight as he was going up for his second state champ title, and that’s exactly what he got when he took home the win over Baumler.

“It’s been a long ride, I’m so grateful to have been able to represent my school, community, and family,” Holschlag said. “I’m proud to be a Union Knight and wouldn’t have wanted to go to battle with a better group of guys!”

Trevor Mc Laughlin, senior, went up against Josh Strohman of Algona for his first match. He went on to fight Chase Shiltz of Creston who took the win over him in the quarterfinals. Tanner Shirk fought Trey Stickler of Clarinda, who took the win in the first round. Jace Hadachek also fought a hard first round but ultimately the win went to Carter Isley of Albia. Michael Ahrendsen went up against Alex Silberstein of Ballard in the first round. Alex won the round and went on to win first place for that weight class.

A huge congratulation to the entire wrestling team and the coaches! We have all been cheering you on and are beyond proud to have amazing athletes like you to represent our school! You are all amazing role models and have accomplished so much for a young age! Keep fighting the good fight! Union Strong!!!