Earlier this week, several changes were made to the Iowa high school wrestling postseason. One of those changes gives teams the option to not take part in the dual meet postseason. Schools need to opt out prior to the first competition date for the 2020-21 season.

Greene County head coach Zach Beekman talked with Raccoon Valley Radio about the change. “We haven’t been in that situation to consider that, but I know when you’re a competitive team and you’ve got highly competitive wrestlers that are going for maybe a state title, or consecutive state titles, opting out of that would give them the best chance. Especially since the state duals are wrestled right before the individual tournament. To opt out of that and say ‘No, we know where our individuals are at and we know what they can do and what they want to do, so maybe they’ll pull the reigns back on a team title or something like that. I think that’s alright. I think it opens it up for a team that really wants to be competitive and strive to place or just kind of see what that atmosphere is like.” The next highest ranked team by the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association would then move into the dual postseason if a qualifying teams opts out.

Coach Beekman made it clear if the Rams are in a position to advance as a dual meet team, there will be no opting out. “We’re going! We’re absolutely going. There’s no opting out of that one, for sure!”

That change, among others, will take place for the 2020-21 season.