Senior Izzy Taylor State Wrestling

Izzy Taylor makes it to state and places 5th!

Izzy Taylor, a Monticello senior and wrestler for Anamosa High School, punched her ticket to the 2026 IGHSAU Girls State Wrestling Tournament and made a memorable run at Xtream Arena in Coralville this February.

After qualifying through strong performances in regional competition, including a key win in the Class 1A Region 8 finals at Williamsburg, Taylor entered the state tournament as the 11th seed at 170 pounds. She wasted no time making noise, upsetting the sixth-seeded Kayma Burleson from Clear Lake with a dominant second-period pin to advance to the quarterfinals. Later, she secured her spot on the medal stand with a quick first-period fall over Raelene Hawkins from Iowa Valley, guaranteeing at least a top-eight finish.

Taylor's impressive tournament concluded with a fifth-place finish in Class 1A. In the consolation bracket, she battled through tough matches, ultimately claiming fifth by pinning Samantha Lyons from Fairfield in just 1:58 during the fifth-place match. Her strong showing capped off a standout senior season, earning her a spot on the podium and pride for the Anamosa Raiders community.

Congratulations to Izzy Taylor on a phenomenal state performance!