Sports : Viking Michael Neal earns fifth place medal

Micheal Neal earned 5th place at the State Wrestling Tournament Saturday.

Vinton-Shellsburg senior Michael Neal ended his high school wrestling career with a pin, and a fifth place finish in the Class 2A 152 wrestling event on Saturday. 

Neal pinned Zach Bruns of North Fayette Valley to win the fifth place match. 

Neal had begun the meet with a loss to the eventual state champion, Chase Straw of Independence.

The medal marks the end of Neal's career as well as the end of a very tough, memorable season for the Vikings. 

"A large thank you to the Vinton-Shellsburg parents, boosters, staff, faculty and supporters," says head wrestling coach James Locke, who replaced the late Steve Johnson as the season began.  "What we did this year couldn't have happened without you."

The team had some significant achievements during the 2014-15 season, says Locke: "Qualifying for Regional Duals for the first time in school history, crowning our first conference champion since 2008, qualifying five for district competition, sending Maxwel Wehage and Michael Neal to state, and Michael becoming a two-time state place-winner."

"It's been a year of tragedy and a year of triumph," says Locke, who also thanked assistants Mike Schwan, Phillip Miller and Henry Bratten for their dedication to the Viking program and wrestlers.

"Thank you to the entire team for everything you've put in - this will pay dividends in your athletic careers and your lives for years to come," says Locke.

Click HERE to see the Iowa High School site, with links to the results of each bracket.

The other Viking who competed at State, Max Wehage (126 pounds) lost his first two matches.