Submitted photo by KLGA Radio: The Algona wrestling team poses with its Class 2A state dual wrestling championship on Saturday night in Coralville after defeating West Delaware in the finals.

CORALVILLE — At this time a year ago, Jack Limbaugh was working on his rebounding skills and free throws as a member of the Algona boys basketball team.

On Saturday, the Iowa State University football signee went a perfect 3-0 in helping top-seeded Algona capture the Class 2A state duals championship inside the Xtream Arena.

After getting past Williamsburg in the semifinals, 32-27, the Bulldogs edged West Delaware for gold, 28-25. Southeast Polk (Class 3A) and Don Bosco (1A) joined Algona as team gold medalists.

It was almost an all-North Central Conference final in 2A, but Clarion-Goldfield/Dows fell to West Delaware in the semis, 38-31.

The Cowboys would go on to defeat Williamsburg for third, 42-31.

Limbaugh, competing at heavyweight, opened his day with a fall vs. Ethan Wood of Mount Vernon in 5:48. He added a second pin vs. Trenton Davies of Williamsburg in the semifinals in 4:51 before capping things off with a 10-3 decision vs. Owen Pettlon of West Delaware in the opening match of the finals.

“I really didn’t know if I was gonna go out for wrestling until the end of the football season, but I’m so incredibly glad I did and was able to contribute to the championship team,” said Limbaugh, whose uncle, Jordan, was a former state placewinner at Algona. “Being a part of this team is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life, for sure.”

Along with Limbaugh, Isaac Wilson, CJ McGregor and University of Iowa baseball signee Tate Slagle all went 3-0. Thomas Zabka, Elijah Wilhite, Ashton Moreno, Carter McGregor and Tayten Rummel put together 2-1 days, while Teague Alesch, Brooks Morgan, Barrett Morgan and Gavin Goche each won once.

“Surface level is undefeated state champs,” said Algona head coach and former Bulldog standout wrestler Nick Kuecker. “But I have a different seat at the table, and these guys battled through a lot of adversity, stayed together and fought.

“Fight, effort and attitude for the guy that stepped off the mat before you and the one stepping on next.”

While the Bulldogs have had plenty of success over the years at the traditional state tournament, they made their state duals debut last season, falling to Mount Vernon in the opening round before placing eighth overall.

Angel Cortes, Linden Phetxoumphone, Adrian Phetxoumphone, Charlie Campbell and JT Kelso all went 3-0 on Saturday for Clarion-Goldfield/Dows. Ryan Hartwig and Caleb Seaba both won twice while Paxton Redenius and Colin Sesker each picked up a win.

Don Bosco won state duals for the fifth straight year while Southeast Polk captured its second straight. The Rams have reached the finals each season since 2018 when they lost to Fort Dodge in the semifinals as the Dodgers claimed the title that season.