Some ISU students keep their glory years alive through university programs.

Intramural programs can be a good way to have fun with friends and stay in shape, but there is a group out there that takes them more seriously. This year, 135 males and two females took to the stage as the Intramural Wrestling tournament took place last week.

The tournament runs more than a week and a half and features nine different weight classes, ranging from eight to 16 people each. The seeds are developed by the entrant’s previous wrestling experience and their finish in last year’s tournament.

Many of those who participate competed in multiple sports in high school, but can’t compete at the collegiate level, or just can’t devote the time, so intramural sports can keep an athlete’s heart alive in the sport that he or she loves.

John Gabrielson, a junior from Iowa City, is one of those athletes. “I knew that being an architecture major wouldn’t leave me much free time, so intramural wrestling is nice because I still compete in the sport I love without having to give an entire year’s worth of commitment.”

Gabrielson wrestled at his high school all four years, placing eighth in the state his junior year and fourth his senior year, despite a shoulder injury. He had won the previous two years at his weight class, and took the outstanding wrestler award both years.

With his background, he was the No. 1 seed going into this year’s tournament against 15 other wrestlers in his 165-pound weight class. When it comes to training for this tournament, most people rely on lifting weights as well as a variety of other physical activities. Gabrielson maintains his training, lifting weights year-round.

Individual wrestling is not the only intramural sport that Gabrielson is a part of — he also participates in the team duals wrestling competition. This competition is also held every year and is made up of one person from each weight class on a team.

Gabrielson’s teammate John Kennell, a junior from Gowrie, has also competed all three years here at Iowa State. He was the champion his first two years at the 184-pound weight class. He’ll compete at 197 pounds this year, competing against 12 other men in the four-day event.

Kennell’s workout is similar to Gabrielson’s, but he adds another twist. “I work as a volunteer coach for my old high school wrestling team when I am able to make it back,” he said.

Gabrielson and Kennell were both victorious in their respective classes last Wednesday night at the conclusion of the championship division tournament. The other winners were Brian Hickman (133), Colt Stephens (141), Matt Hangsleben (149), Jeff Johnston (157), Curtis Gomes (174), Tim Dolan (184) and Scott Schaefer (Heavyweight). In the novice division, the winners were Jacob Handsaker (145), Courtney Achen (160), Dan Meehan (175), Chris Feil (190) and Seth McCaulley (Heavyweight).