By: Dana Becker
Messenger Sports Staff
COUNCIL BLUFFS — Matt Sarbo joined exclusive company here on Saturday night.
Sarbo became the first Iowa Central wrestler to repeat as a national champion since Todd Small six years ago, dominating on his way to the 149-pound title.
Joining Sarbo atop the podium was Triton teammate Darnai Heard, who took the 157-pound crown.
Iowa Central placed second overall, securing the runner-up trophy for the second time in three years on Heard's pin in the finals. Western Wyoming was first, followed by the Tritons, Pratt, Clackamas and Iowa Western.
"Hat's off to Western Wyoming for the win," Moffitt said. "But I'm just so proud of our performance and what we did.
"Ripping through those final matches with bonus points gave us the final jump that we needed to finish second."
Sarbo, who scored three falls on Friday, earned a 19-4 technical fall over Gabe Maki of Pratt in the semifinals before downing Jaden Two Lance from Carl Albert State in the finals, 10-4.
Heard needed just over 90 seconds of mat time on Saturday to claim his first title. He pinned Ayden Kingery from Indian Hills in 35 seconds in the semis before doing the same to Kristopher Ketchum from Nassau in the finals in 1:11.
"Matt and Darnai are going to be missed next year in the practice room and competition field," Moffitt said. "They are products of their habits, which were to come in and work hard every single day. As workout partners, they pushed each other because iron sharpens iron.
"They set the bar very, very high."
Lawrence Rosario battled back after falling in the final four to place third at 174 while Michael Myers, Joseph Lewis and DJ Moehring were each seventh. All six All-Americans for the Tritons won their final match of the tournament.
Iowa Central now has 14 Top-3 finishes at nationals, while placing in the Top-8 in each of the past 20 seasons under Moffitt. Sarbo and Heard became the 35th and 36th champions since Moffitt became head coach.
The Tritons have now won a nation-leading 58 individual titles overall.
"I am so happy for the team and all those guys," Moffitt said. "We out-wrestled our seeds and got guys to step up and score bonus points, which is what you want to have happen in a big national tournament."