The path to a class 3A state wrestling championship for Indianola senior Ryder Downey went through one of the most difficult paths at 145lbs, facing top-ranked wrestlers in addition to former state champs.

After winning the first round matchup, Downey defeated the #4 ranked wrestler Bas Diaz from class 3A powerhouse Waverly-Shellrock in the quarterfinals, then defeated #1 Joel Jesuroga from Southeast Polk in the semifinals 4-3, then after falling behind 5-0 in the third period against defending three-time state champion #2 ranked Robert Avila from IC West, Downey came back to force overtime and eventually won 6-5.

Downey ends his career in Indianola with over 150 wins, a state championship, and a state runner-up finish as a sophomore.