BY:  CHRIS JOHNSON, The Messenger Assistant Sports Editor

http://www.messengernews.net/sports/local-sports/2019/02/title-chase/ 

COUNCIL BLUFFS — Ethan Karsten and Tyree Sutton know what it's like to have a national title within reach and have it taken away at the last second.

Karsten and Sutton both reached the finals in the national tournament and were seconds away from having their hands raised as a champion.

Both Tritons, who would later be named All-Americans, suffered defeat in overtime, coming up short 5-4 and 10-8 respectively.

That has been the driving force for both sophomores and the underlying metaphor for the fourth-ranked Tritons.

"They were both so close to having their hands raised on the stage and then losing in overtime," said Iowa Central head coach Luke Moffitt. "That is a feeling you don't forget and they hold themselves accountable for it.

"They are hard working guys and show great leadership."

Karsten (No. 2) and (No. 1) Sutton, along with fifth-ranked Kevin Radcliff (125), Gunner Cash (285) and Yar Aldiva (149) were all part of the Triton squad that finished third last season. Radcliff and Cash were national qualifiers and Aldiva was a part time starter.

"Wrestling wise, the expectations are the same," Moffitt said. "This is a lot easier group to work with. They're not high maintenance. I don't have to repeat myself 100 times.

"They are a good group of kids and fun to be around."

Iowa Central will take its entire lineup into the hunt, with all 10 guys. The Tritons have had all their lineup in the field 13 of the last 15 seasons.

With the way this group has worked all season, Moffitt knows the Tritons will be there on the final day chasing the national title.

"I always thought we could make a run," Moffitt said. "They know what they have to do individually, but if you're not in the mix for a team title, it kind of loses that feel.

"Once we started getting guys healthy and in our lineup, I knew we had a chance. We beat some schools in Oklahoma and then the Iowa schools in our region. Our region has had good success, staying as the front runner and it's a good mark to have for your conference."

Sutton (16-4) and Karsten (20-8) have put together strong seasons and are looking to get back on top. Radcliff (29-12) and Cash (17-19) are hoping to climb the podium.

New comers to the national scene, Aldiva (28-6), third-ranked Travis Willers (17-6 at 165), fifth-ranked Ashton Eyler (12-7 at 174) and fifth-ranked Brian Stanford (14-12 at 184) are ready to make a splash, along with Josh Garcia (133) and Fort Dodge graduate Damond Lockner (18-12 at 141).

"Guys like Travis Willers, Ashton Eyler, Kevin Radcliff and Gunner Cash are talking to everyone and have a lot of motivation," Moffitt said.

Moffitt and the Tritons are looking for their first title since 2017. They were second in 2016 and first in 2015.

"We tell them when they come here to expect to win a national title and a team title," Moffitt said. "We have a great room and that makes everybody better, having guys pushing them to compete. You have to train with the best and make it a reality."

The national tournament begins today at 9:30 a.m. in Council Bluffs. The 32-man bracket will be cut down to the top eight by nights end.

Semifinals will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with the finals at 7 p.m.