Reach for the Stars

Book excerpt: 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 heartbreakingly fall short-at an arena in Des Moines in February or March. The tournament finals sell out, and individuals and teams carve their names on the sport's history tree each year. Some champions were deaf, some were amputees, but all earn the respect of thousands for their work ethic-a hallmark of the state's populace. Is this heaven? No, it's better than that. It's high school wrestling in Iowa!