Last dance

DES MOINES – Chance Strough’s wrestling career has come to a close on the biggest stage.

Strough wraps up his state tournament bid placing 6th, going 3-3 for Bedford/Lenox wrestling.

The road for Strough has been a long one, going through two programs before wrapping up at Wells Fargo Arena.

A Clarinda product for his first two years of high school wrestling, Strough transferred to Bedford/Lenox after the state tournament his sophomore year.

“They’ve treated me like family since day one,” said Strough. “They’ve treated me like I’ve been there since gradeschool. They’ve been an amazing family and I’m honored to have been a part of this team.”

In his final days with Bedford/Lenox, Strough hit the mat on the biggest stage for high school wrestling in Iowa, entering Wells Fargo Arena in the 220 weight class for Class 1A.

A 28-7 record as a senior paired Strough up with Keegan Akers of Mediapolis. Strough pinned Akers in 3:59 getting the pin just before the second period horn. The win advanced him out of the first round to face Garet Sims of Iowa Valley Friday.

The bid for a state title ended to the eventual champion, falling in 37 seconds. However, the quick pin did not knock out Strough, giving him an opportunity to work his way into a podium position through the consolation rounds.

Strough next paired up with West Hancock’s Tanner Hagen, pinning him with 12 seconds remaining in the third period. The following matched paired him against the No. 5 wrestler in his class, according to The Predicament, Dylan Obermeier.

Obermeier entered the match 52-2, getting bounced in the quarterfinals by Midland’s Brett Schoenherr. It was a tough task for Strough, but aggressive play led to him scoring a takedown with under a minute remaining in the third period, getting important insurance points to secure a 5-2 win for Strough as the clock struck zero.

The win capped his Friday on a high note, giving him a chance to improve Saturday. Strough’s elation was clear knowing he had one more day.

“It was just an incredible feeling,” said Strough Friday. “I knew that my second to last match I had beat (Akers) in sectionals and districts. ... So pinning him was icing on top of the cake.”

Strough’s elation was also paired with an understanding that Saturday was his final day hitting the mat of a 14-year wrestling career.

“It’s my last day tomorrow (Saturday),” said a teary eyed Strough. “I’m going to leave it all out there. Everything I’ve ever worked for. ... I’m going to walk out of here with no regrets. I just have to focus and do my thing and stick with my style and can’t mirror them. I know if I do that I’ll walk away with no regrets.”

Saturday

Strough entered Saturday paired up against The Predicament’s No. 3, Garren Keehner of MFL, MarMac.

Strough did not fare as well against his second top five opponent, falling to Keehner in 1:24 by pin.

A tough road saw Strough fall to both the class champion and the third place finisher.

Strough’s final match of his career was for fifth place, guaranteeing a podium spot for the senior.

He faced off against Eagle Grove’s Joel Mendoza, and with neither wrestler having the clear advantage, it went wire to wire.

Strough picked up an escape in the final 25 seconds to pull the differential to one, but couldn’t get a takedown to grab the lead.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be on the podium this year,” said Strough. “You can’t look at the past to keep working towards the future and it took my last year to finally see that.”

Strough’s podium placement of sixth makes him the second Bedford/Lenox wrestler to place at the state tournament this year. His teammate Drew Venteicher placed third in the 160 class.

After walking off the mat, Strough reflected on his career and who helped him along the way.

“Before my high school days my dad has been my coach and my number one fan,” said an emotional Strough. “He means everything to me and without him I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today.”

Next step

Strough revealed his plans for the future, saying he will set off for the U.S. Army to pursue a degree and a career serving the nation.

“A few weeks ago I enlisted in the U.S. Army,” said Strough. “I’m studying for a degree in criminal justice while in the Army and I leave this July.”

Strough’s results

Champ. Round 1 - Chance Strough (Bedford-Lenox) pinned Keegan Akers (Mediapolis) 3:59; Quarterfinal - Garet Sims (IV) pinned Chance Strough (B-L) 0:37; Cons. Round 2 - Strough (B-L) pinned Tanner Hagen (WH) 5:48; Cons. Round 3 - Strough (B-L) dec. Dylan Obermeier (AUD) 5-2; Cons. Semi - Garrett Keehner (MFL, MarMac) pinned Strough (B-L) 1:24; 5th Place Match - Joel Mendoza (EG) dec. Chance Strough (B-L) 6-5.