The year was 1980. Prior to that year, KDLS-FM aired a few select State Wrestling Tournament matches, highlighted by Dave Hagedorn of Jefferson High School winning the 1979 Class 2A 155 lbs. title. In 1980, a young broadcaster named Doug Rieder pestered ownership and management enough that they allowed him, and the late Bob Thompson, then Jefferson High School’s football coach and Athletic Director, to broadcast matches play-by-play, not just of a select few, but of all the wrestlers in the listening area.

Fast forward to 2017, and the tradition has grown to 26 area wrestlers on all three Raccoon Valley Radio stations, plus “live” streaming on www.raccoonvalleyradio.com. Coverage begins at 1 p.m. today of the 1A first round, which starts at 1:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. First round consolation matches will immediately follow the first round. The Class 2A first round begins at 6 p.m. with first round consolation matches to follow. Tournament coverage continues tomorrow and Saturday.

Greene County High School is represented by senior Hunter Ruth (30-3) at 220 lbs. in Class 2A.