The state high school wrestling tournament opened in Des Moines today with action in class 3A. Seven of last year’s champions return to Vets Auditorium, including Oskaloosa’s Derek Moyer last year’s champ at 103 pounds. Moyer opened a bid for the 112 pound title with a second period fall over Kyle Dougherty of Fort Madison. Moyer talks about the difference in being a defending champion. He says it will be harder this year because people will shoot for him, as last year he was an underdog.Moyer says he actually thinks he’s better prepared this year than he was when he won last year. He says he’s been more mentally prepared this year.On the team side, top-ranked Iowa City West comes in with seven qualifiers in 3A, Fort Dodge has 10 qualifiers, and last year’s champion, Lewis Central has nine. Tonight it’s the opening round of class 2A.
