Senior Night domination

To be the best in the state of Iowa in the sport of wrestling takes time, dedication, effort and energy. 

The clock is ticking for seniors Carson Babcock, Jacob Reicks and the rest of the New Hampton/Turkey Valley Chickasaws. 
That’s why the last home dual meet of the season this past Tuesday for the Chickasaws meant so much to Babcock, who along with Reicks, headline a talented grappling squad once again for head coach Matt Paulus. 
Heartfelt gratitude was in order after Babcock continued to put himself in a prime position to possibly become the 41st overall individual title holder when the traditional state tournament takes place later next month. 
“I’m just super thankful for New Hampton wrestling and everything they’ve done for me and how much the fans support us,” said Babcock.  
It’s that support, along with a tireless work ethic, that has allowed the third-ranked Babcock to run his record to 27-0 at 170 pounds after competing in the Osage Duals this past Saturday. At Tuesday’s dual versus Center-Point Urbana and Union, La Porte City, Babcock wasted little time in disposing of Dan Jouanne with a pin in 28 seconds. He grinded out an impressive,, 14-2, major decision over Hunter Worthen of Union. 
“I prepared a lot harder this summer in the offseason. I put a lot more time in – the most time I’ve ever put in a summer in wrestling by far,” said Babcock. “With all that preparation comes confidence.”
That belief in his talent is going to make Babcock, along with Reicks, awfully tough to beat the rest of the season. Especially if the two can crack the state tournament again in 2021 down at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines where they’ve had past success on the big stage. Babcock is a three-time state qualifier and placed third at 160 pounds last year. Reicks placed sixth in 2020 at last winter’s state meet, donning a singlet at 182 pounds.
New Hampton/TurkeyValley rolled to relatively two easy dual wins.
— For more on this story, see the Jan. 21 Tribune