The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (EBF) boys wrestling team earned a runner-up finish at the Iowa Class 2A State Wrestling Tournament. The Rockets wrestled very well through the tournament as a team. The Rockets had three finalists in Slater Thomas (106), Simon Bettis (113), and Landon Davis (138). All three lost heartbreaking matches in the finals. The other place finisher was Gage Spurgeon (126 - 4th).
Other wrestlers for EBF were Garrett Pumphrey (120) who went 3-2, Brett Johnson (132) went 1-2, Blake Johnson (165) went 3-2, and Logan Gardner (195) went 0-2.
Coach Boyer holding the Runner-Up trophy on Saturday night. Comments from Coach Boyer are below after having a few days to reflect on his team's accomplishment.
Head Coach Dimitri Boyer reflected on the team’s remarkable performance, describing it as a highlight of his young coaching career. “Coming into the tournament, I knew we could compete for a team trophy,” Boyer said. “Even though we didn’t have as many qualifiers as some of the other top contenders, we had the right guys — the ones who were ready to fight round after round.”
The Rockets' lineup, particularly their talented lightweights, set the tone for the tournament. Boyer explained how their momentum created a powerful ripple effect. “We have a lineup of lightweight wrestlers who feed off each other — when one wins, it’s like a snowball effect that never lets up. That energy trickles up the lineup to the heavyweights.”
Though the team came just short of a state title, the experience has only fueled their determination. “No one came out of this tournament with the result they wanted,” Boyer admitted. “A team can take that one of two ways. I believe the runner-up finishes and the others who fell short are going to fuel a fire for next year. These boys understand we have ‘UNFINISHED BUSINESS’ — and that will be next year’s motto.”
This year’s state tournament was particularly special for Boyer, who has coached at the event multiple times, both as an assistant and now twice as head coach. “This was the first time I’ve been on a team with a legitimate shot at a state title,” Boyer said. “We’ve had years where individuals had chances, but never as a team. The excitement was high, knowing every match helped us climb the ladder. The boys knew their wins pushed them closer to their individual goals and helped the team progress in the overall standings.”
Boyer emphasized how this team-first mentality built even stronger bonds among the wrestlers. “When you’re competing for something bigger than yourself and know the team needs you to cement its place in the history books, it drives you to push a little extra,” he said.
The runner-up finish has already ignited a fire for next season. “I don’t think I’ve felt this kind of excitement since my own competitive days,” Boyer admitted. “My nerves were higher than ever, knowing how close we were to bringing home a state championship trophy. Not only did it motivate the guys at the state tournament, but it’s trickled down to the guys at home. Everyone knows how close we were — and that it’s possible. The push for next year has already started.”
Boyer expressed immense pride in his team and his coaching staff. “I am very proud of every one of my wrestlers,” he said. “From top to bottom, every single one of them made huge strides in their wrestling this year. It’s been an honor to sit in their corner and help them grow. I also want to thank my staff of assistant coaches. The success of this program would not be where it is without their dedication to the team.”
Congratulations to the EBF boys wrestling team on an incredible season!
Slater Thomas 106 State Runner-Up (freshman)
Simon Bettis 113 State Runner-Up (freshman)
Garrett Pumphrey 120 went 3-2 (sophomore)
Gage Spurgeon 126 placed 4th (sophomore)
Landon Davis 138 Runner-Up (junior)
Blake Johnson 165 went 3-2 (senior)
Logan Gardner 195 went 0-2 (freshman)
