Looking for redemption

NEW LONDON — New London’s Dom Lopez has been one of the top wrestlers not only around Southeast Iowa, but the entire state in his perspective weight class for four years.

The Tiger senior has made the trip to Wells Fargo to compete in the Iowa High School Athletic Associations Wrestling State Championships for four straight years.

“The work to get there is already done,” Lopez said. “Now we have to go up there and get it done. Gotta keep being dominant. We have to keep scoring points and not overlook anyone. I’m gonna take it one match at a time and hopefully get my hand raised Saturday night.”

But for Lopez, despite the successes, he is still in search of the most prestigious prize: A state title.

For three years now, he’s been just one match away from a shot at that accomplishment and he knows it.

Lopez finished third last year (55-1) after falling by a narrow decision, 4-3, in the 152-pound semifinals. In 2021, it was another third-place finish (59-3) at 145 with a loss in the semifinal on a tiebreaker. As a freshman, Lopez finished fourth (50-4) after a 5-2 loss in the semifinals.

“I’v been waiting all year for this week,” Lopez said. “Every morning I wake up that’s the only thing on my mind. I’ve just been trying to get better each day and this weeks finally come and I’m ready. I’ve done everything I can this offseason and season. I’m just going to have no regrets and leave it all out there.”

“I’ve embraced this because this is my last chance,” he said. “I’ve been wanting to be a high school state champion since I was a kid. I have been there the last three years and I fell short. I know what it takes. Seeing by brother get it done, I know what it takes. I’ve done everything he’s done.”

Lopez, who’s brother Marcel is one of the 31 Iowa high school wrestlers to win four state titles has given Dom a lot of advice along the way.

“He knows I’m anxious,” Lopez said. “He’s told me time and time to control what I can control and take it one thing at a time. Take it match by match and don’t overlook anybody. Be patient.”

This season, while wrestling at 160, Lopez has dominated his competition.

He heads into the state tournament as the number two wrestler at 160 in Class 1A. Lopez has amassed a record of 55-0. He along with No. 1, Logan-Magnolia’s Wyatt Reisz (49-0) are the only undefeated wrestlers in the field.

Lopez also has the chance to make history at this year’s tournament as well. After winning his first-round match on Wednesday, Lopez is now tied for most wins in Iowa State High School history with 219.

Joining Lopez is three fellow Tigers in Gage Burden (126), Michael Raines (170) and Trent Wilkerson (195).

“It’s been great watching the guys and seeing how far they’ve come,” Lopez said. “It’s much better not going alone. It’s going to make it much more fun. Looking forward to seeing the guys up there and watching our hard work pay off.”