Left-right: Asaiah Martinez, Blake Stanford, Kale Wadle, Victor Esparza

Norwalk wrestlers Asaiah Martinez, Blake Stanford, Kale Wadle and Victor Esparza begin their State Wrestling Tournament journey today at the Casey’s Center in Des Moines. The Warrior quartet qualified for state by placing in the top three of Saturday’s Class 3A District Tournament in Norwalk.

Esparza leads the Norwalk state contingent with a number 5 seed at 190 pounds and a 35-5 record. The junior claimed his first district title on Saturday and will be making his third state meet appearance. He will start the tournament with a first round bye. Esparza tells KNIA Sports that he has worked hard to become a district champion, and his goal at state is to reach the top of the podium. “The goal is still the same,” he said. “I know I didn’t get that conference title. I got this one. I still want to go scratch off that state champion title.”

Stanford, a junior, placed second at the district meet and is the number 9 seed in the 132-pound bracket with a 36-15 record. He is making his state meet debut. Martinez and Wadle, both seniors, placed third at the district meet. Martinez is seeded 15th at 126 with a 25-9 record, making his second trip to state. Wadle is seeded 14th at 150 at 26-14, and is a first-time state qualifier. Stanford, Martinez and Wadle all tell KNIA Sports that their expectation is to bring home a state medal.

The Class 3A State Wrestling Tournament begins with first-round matches at 4:00 p.m., followed by second round and second-round consolations. The state meet will continue on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Des Moines.