March 28, 2024

Barncastle’s final ride

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DES MOINES – In November it was not clear that Beau Barncastle was going to wrestle this season.

The Creston/O-M grappler had been strongly considering enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, putting doubt in his coach Cody Downing and others if he would hit the mat with the Panthers to start the season.

But, nearly three months later, Barncastle found himself in the bowels of Wells Fargo Arena, wrestling for a state title.

Barncastle’s state championship bid kicked off facing the second seeded wrestler in his bracket, undefeated Tristin Westphal of Washington.

Westphal, the eventual Class 2A 182 pound title winner, pinned Barncastle in 29 seconds.

Barncastle bounced back in his first consolation match, going up early in points on Webster City’s Michael Gilbert. Barncastle pinned Gilbert midway through the third period in 5:06.

Barncastle next faced Dylan Jeffers of Keokuk, with a potential win guaranteeing Barncastle a podium position.

Jeffers was too much for Barncastle, pinning him in three minutes. The second loss for Barncastle meant his state tournament came to a close, along with his high school wrestling career.

As someone who had different intentions earlier in the year, wrestling his way to the state tournament was nothing short of possible for Barncastle.

“I thought it was something he was probably capable of,” said Downing on Barncastle making it to the state tournament. “You never know how districts are going to line up, but what he brings to the room, the leadership, is what Beau really helped this team with.”

A two-year wrestler, Barncastle earned the respect of his teammates quickly and became a locker room leader, said Downing.

“Our seniors always find their way and can help lead these younger guys coming in,” said Downing. “For sure we are going to miss his leadership and it’s a good spot to end it as a senior is at the state tournament.”

An athlete with a tireless work ethic, Barncastle jumped right into the mix midway though the season and didn’t miss a beat.

“He’s probably one of the hardest workers in the room,” said Downing. “You see him on the mat, he’s never out of the match. ... Even that last match, we get to the third period and tie it up I thought we were right where we needed to be, but just got a little bit out of position. ... A little more mat time would have helped him.”

Barncastle finished his senior campaign with a record of 31-26, falling just short of a podium placement.

“I really couldn’t be happier with myself, and the fact that my teammates pushed me to get here,” said Barncastle. “I’m just glad I made it here for my senior year.”

“Being here, I can’t be sad at anything I’ve done,” added Barncastle.

Summing up his career with the Panthers, and having it end at Wells Fargo Arena, Barncastle had nothing but good things to say.

“It’s the greatest feeling in the world. I really can’t describe it to you at all,” said Barncastle.

Barncastle’s results

182 – Champ. Round 1 - Tristin Westphal (Washington) pinned Beau Barncastle (Creston) 0:29; Cons. Round 1 - Barncastle (Creston) pinned Michael Gilbert (Webster City) 5:06; Cons. Round 2 - Dylan Jeffers (Keokuk) pinned Barncastle (C/O-M) 3:00.