February 23, 2026
Local NewsState & National

Stiff competition derails Panthers at state

By CHEYENNE ROCHE
Gunner Martwick takes down Baylor Ferrira of Fort Madison before pinning him in the first period.

Gunner Martwick takes down Baylor Ferrira of Fort Madison before pinning him in the first period. (CNA photos by CHEYENNE ROCHE)

DES MOINES — It was a tough weekend for Creston wrestlers as the Panthers went 2-6 at state wrestling at the Casey’s Center in Des Moines.

Jose Avila came in as the 24 seed at 157 after sneaking by at districts, placing second after being seeded fourth. The wrestler finished his sophomore campaign at state where he fell in round one to Hayden Schafer of Eagle Grove in a 19-4 technical fall.

Jose Avila squares off with Hayden Schafer of Eagle Grove in round one

Jose Avila squares off with Hayden Schafer of Eagle Grove in round one (CNA photos by CHEYENNE ROCHE)

In his first consolation match, he lost to Chayton Snethen of Harlan, a familiar Hawkeye 10 foe. Snethen won with a 5-0 decision, eliminating him from the tournament.

Gunner Martwick came in as the 14 seed at heavyweight and opened with a win over Baylor Ferreira of Fort Madison in a 1:44 pin. In the next round, Martwick lost in a late third-period pin to Layne Kleppe of North Fayette Valley.

The Creston wrestler took a 1-0 lead in the second period with an escape, and Kleppe replicated the point in the third. With 30 seconds remaining, Kleppe took Martwick to the mat, pinning him with 20 seconds to spare.

Creston coaches Kruz Adamson and Cody Downing direct during a match.

Creston coaches Kruz Adamson and Cody Downing direct during a match. (CNA photos by CHEYENNE ROCHE)

On the consolation side of the bracket, Martwick was upset by the 20 seed in an 8-5 decision, eliminating him from the tournament.

Again it was Martwick to draw first blood, scoring on a takedown in the first period. In the top position to start the second period, Kamden Teisinger of Denver scored four on a nearfall. By the end of the second period, the score was tied at 5. In the third period, Teisinger scored on a takedown to win the bout.

Martwick finished his wrestling career with a 40-17 senior record.

Senior Lane Travis came in ranked as the six seed at 138 pounds. After placing as a sophomore, Travis had a disappointing junior showing last year.

Lane Travis traps the arm of Jared Glendening behind his back Thursday in the second round of state wrestling. Glendening of Burlington Notre Dame won the bout 9-6 in sudden death.

Lane Travis traps the arm of Jared Glendening behind his back Thursday in the second round of state wrestling. Glendening of Burlington Notre Dame won the bout 9-6 in sudden death. (CNA photos by CHEYENNE ROCHE)

Travis was eliminated from this year’s tournament on Friday, and while it wasn’t what he had hoped for, he leaves behind an illustrious career.

After receiving a first-round bye, Travis faced Jared Glendening of Burlington Notre Dame, the 11 seed. The two went to sudden death where Glendening earned the takedown and the victory.

Travis came back with a quick pin over Greyson Grell of Central DeWitt but was upset on Friday by Jaxson Mehlert of Benton Community in a 9-4 decision. Travis ends his Panther career with a 49-11 record.

Martwick and Travis were both starting members of the 2024 dual state championship team.

Cheyenne Roche

CHEYENNE ROCHE

Cheyenne has been with the CNA since 2022, reporting on everything from city government to sports and crime. Originally from Wisconsin, she holds a degree in Communications and Journalism and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She is a wife, mother and avid reader.