Kapenga wins the state title at 113 pounds, becoming Hamilton’s first champion since Andy Cook in 2002

Hamilton High School sophomore Malachi Kapenga added his name to the state and school history books on Saturday, March 4, winning the Division 2 individual wrestling state championship at 113 pounds inside Ford Field.

Kapenga became the fourth state wrestling champion in Hamilton history and the first Hawkeye to win a title since his uncle, Andy Cook, accomplished the feat in 2002.

“I knew it was possible. I knew I’d have to get a lot better throughout the year and put in the work,” Kapenga said the following Monday.

It would not be easy. In the state championship match, Kapenga trailed by one point before tying the match, 4–4, in the final seconds and sending it to overtime.

“He gave me the point, and in overtime, I was like, ‘Okay, I’m still in this. I can still win it,’” Kapenga said with a smile. “I just made sure I stayed calm and was smart. When he took a bad shot and I got the points, I couldn’t believe it.”

The Hamilton crowd rose to its feet as Kapenga was declared the winner. He jogged off the mat and into the arms of his coaches, including Cook.

“It felt really good. There was a huge crowd there for Hamilton and other schools,” Kapenga added. “Being in the finals was cool, but winning it was awesome because everyone saw it happen. Now, everyone knows that one Hamilton kid that won the title.”

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