Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Jake Zabka of Algona works his way toward a victory on Friday at the state wrestling tournament in Des Moines. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

DES MOINES — After getting shut out of the medal round last year, Algona will bring home three individual honors from Wells Fargo Arena in 2023.

Sophomore Tate Slagle (138), senior Jake Zabka (113) and freshman Barrett Morgan (126) have officially earned spots on the podium with wins in the blood rounds on Friday.

“The state tournament obviously has a bunch of highs and lows,” said Algona head coach Nick Kuecker. “Bringing seven guys down here was awesome.

“I’m extremely proud of the way they all competed this week.”

Slagle ran into one of the state’s top wrestlers in his 138 pound semifinal.

The Bulldog sophomore lost by fall (1:04) to Greene County’s top-seed McKinley Robbins (47-0).

Robbins, an Oregon State recruit, and will wrestle in his fourth straight state final, looking for his second title.

Slagle (45-5) will now face No. 15 Tyler Wieland (36-16) of Independence in the consolation semifinals. The winner goes for third place; the loser to the fifth-place match.

“Tate had a tough semifinal match,” Kuecker said. “Tate’s wrestling really well and has a lot to be proud of.

“He made some huge jumps as a sophomore.”

Zabka reached the consolation semifinal with two backside wins at 113 pounds.

Zabka, the eighth seed, pinned 12th-seed Brayden Maury (37-7) of West Delaware in 23 seconds and stuck Crestwood’s ninth-seeded Carter Schmauss (37-11) in 49 seconds.

“I’m unbelievably proud of what he has overcome throughout the season,” Kuecker said. “The kid is just tough and extremely coachable.

“His plan was to come down here and let it fly. He has. It’s been a blast.”

Isaac Wilson, the 11th seed at 120, lost his consolation match to seventh-seed Carson Less (39-7) of West Delaware.

Up next for Zabka (28-6), who was seventh two years ago, is second seed Colin Cassady (19-6) of West Liberty.

Morgan (126) faced a familiar opponent in his consolation match. Morgan, 3-0 against Humboldt’s Jayden Gargano (43-7) heading into the match, lost for the first time, 5-4.

Morgan (45-4), the seventh seed will now face No. 12 freshman Mason Avila (26-14) of Decorah.

“He’s an extremely hard worker,” Kuecker said. “It’s a great way to end his freshman season on the podium.”