Newton boys wrestling coach RJ Brown is pleased with what he’s seen from his wrestlers so far this season. Two state qualifiers from last year and most of last year’s team are back as sophomores and juniors.

“Overall I think they are wrestling really well. We just need to fix a few things. They are easily fixable, but some of those things will take a little time throughout the season to correct. But they are wrestling well and mentally doing well.”

Brown says conditioning and getting quicker feet have been a recent emphasis. He’s encouraged that his wrestlers have been aggressive and registered the first takedown in a lot of their matches.

Kent Montgomery won some matches at state last year and was the 106 pound Champion at the Cardinal Classic Newton hosted December 7th. He also claimed the 106 pound Championship at the Bill Van Horn Invitational in Pella last Saturday. Cody Revell at 285 pounds and Lane Rozendaal at 157 pounds both placed second at the invitational in Pella. As a team, Newton was 4th and the Cardinal Invitational and 6th at the Bill Van Horn Invitational. 

The Newton boys wrestling team’s next meet is at Oskaloosa on Thursday, January 2nd.