Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Tyce Clarken of Humboldt works during his quarterfinal match at the state tournament in Des Moines on Thursday. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

DES MOINES — Rankings and seeding mean nothing at the state tournament once wrestlers shake hands.

Humboldt senior Cyler Cirks proved that after a competitor hits the mat, anything is possible.

In his third state trip, the 11th-seeded Wildcat reached the semifinals after upsetting third-seeded Mason Avila (12-3) of Decorah on Thursday by a final of 11-8.

It was a takedown battle that Cirks got the better of. The Humboldt standout (34-8) had three takedowns, and Avila had one a reversal.

“Cyler got us started early,” said Humboldt head coach Chad Beaman. “We knew it was going to be a tough match up, but Cyler set the pace in the first period.

“When you start winning matches, it becomes contagious.”

Next for Cirks, who has 136 career wins, will be seventh-ranked Carter Cajthaml (48-6) of NH/TV.

“I’ve put in a lot of work over my career, and that match was all grit and gameplan,” Cirks said. “I knew what I had to do to win.

“This senior year has definitely been special so far. I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish, and I’m looking for more.”

Classmate Tyce Clarken (138) and sophomore Broedy Hendricks (190) will join Cirks in the semifinals.

Clarken (39-5), the No. 4 seed, easily handled fifth-seed Cadyn Wild (29-6) of Davenport Assumption, 15-4, to advance to the finals.

“It means a lot to find myself in the semis…it’s just one step closer to the end goal,” Clarken said. “An overload of emotions, but with that being said, I’m not finished.

“This senior year has been full of swings, and I’ve just tried to keep a level head and my goals in line. It’s one last ride. I’m just letting it fly.”

Up next for Clarken is top-seeded Landen Davis (44-1) of Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

“That kid (Wild, Clarken’s opponent) was a hammer. He got third last year,” Beaman said. “He’s a super talented young man, but Tyce was able to take care of him.

“Tyce loves to throw anybody and is a high-scoring young man. He gave us the opportunity and he wrestled well.”

Hendricks (44-3) had a familiar opponent, squaring off with Thomas Sexton of Decorah for a third time this season. Hendricks picked up two major decisions in the first two outings.

It was closer this time, as Hendricks needed a takedown in overtime for an 8-5 victory and another spot in the semis.

“It means a lot. I worked day in and day out to get where I am right now,” Hendricks said. “Dedication and mindset is all it is.

“The plan was to dominate like I did the last two times I wrestled him, but I didn’t get what I wanted. I got the win to advance, though, and that’s all that matters.”

Hendricks, the fourth seed who was a state runner up a year ago, will now meet top-seeded Brenden Heying (47-1) of Benton.

“Broedy is disappointed in his performance after two majors against (Sexton) earlier,” Beaman said. “He is always expecting more of himself.

“We talked to our kids about being gritty and tough at the end to put them in a situation where they can win.”

In his first trip to the state tournament, senior Landon Halverson (175) went 1-1 on Thursday.

Halverson (43-10) pinned Caysen Curran (43-9) of Mount Vernon in 1:22. He then lost a tight 4-2 decision to Dain Burkhart (39-5) of Fairfield.

“In Landon’s (consolation match), we thought he had a takedown in the first period, but there wasn’t enough reaction time,” Beaman said. “Landon had an outstanding year and he was super resilient. He’s a great young man and we’re all very proud of him.”