A former state champion wrestler at Adel-Desoto-Minburn Community Schools has returned to Iowa to compete for a collegiate championship on the mat this weekend. Zach Johnston is coming up on the end of his sophomore season for the Minnesota State University Mavericks. Johnston is one of five Maverick wrestlers vying for NCAA Division II Wrestling Championship starting today in Cedar Rapids, qualifying for the tournament for the first time. Johnston won the Class 2A Iowa State Wrestling Championship at 160 pounds as a senior in 2016.

Johnston is the highest rated Maverick competing at the National Championships, ranking fourth overall at 174-pounds and will take the mat at nationals after finishing second at the Super Region 3 Tournament. Johnston holds a 21-6 record this season, picking up 16 decision victories along the way. His opening round opponent at nationals is Nathan Vandermeer of Findley with an overall record of 25-16. First grapples of the 2018 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championship begins at 9 a.m. today at Upper Iowa University in Cedar Rapids.