State wrestling: We asked all the returning state champions what songs they listened to before their matches
The state champions playlist is back by popular demand.
Among the many things seen in and around Wells Fargo Arena during the week of the state wrestling championships are the many types of headphones worn by wrestlers. Most, though not all, listen to music before their matches.
Some listen to help raise their energy levels. Others listen to calm down.
This week, we asked the 20 returning state champs if they had a go-to song they listen to before matches. A variety of artists came back: Sir Mix-A-Lot, Lil Baby, Eminem, Kygo, George Strait, All Time Low, J. Cole, Jack Harlow and many more.
We've compiled those songs into a list here for you, the "2020 State Champions Pre-Match Playlist." There's a Spotify playlist at the bottom if you'd like to listen to the same music champions do.
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Adam Ahrendsen, sr., Union: "Swap Meet Louie," Sir Mix-A-Lot
Robert Avila Jr., jr., Lisbon: "Call Me Maybe," Carly Rae Jepsen
Drake Ayala, sr., Fort Dodge: "Life," Lil Baby
Ryder Block, soph., Waverly-Shell Rock: "23," Mike WiLL Made-It, feat. Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J
Chet Buss, jr., North Butler-Clarksville: "Glass Shatters," Black Time
Carter Fousek, jr., Crestwood: "Element," Pop Smoke
Graham Gambrall, sr., Iowa City West: "Unaccommodating," Eminem
Hunter Garvin, jr., Iowa City West: "Higher Love," Kygo
Mickey Griffith, jr., Des Moines Lincoln: "Loud and Heavy," Cody Jinks
Ben Kueter, soph., Iowa City High: "The Champ Is Here," O Fresh
Matthew Lewis, sr., Centerville: "Monsters," All Time Low, feat. blackbear
Griffin Liddle, sr., Bettendorf: "Whiskey Glasses," Morgan Wallen
Marcel Lopez, jr., New London: "No Role Modelz," J. Cole
Aidan Noonan, sr., Cascade: "Good Feeling," Flo Rida
Brandon Paez, soph., Lisbon: "It Was A Good Day," or "You Know How We Do It," Ice Cube
Camron Phetxoumphone, jr., Webster City: "Back In Blood," Pooh Shiesty, feat. Lil Durk
Gable Porter, soph., Underwood: "Big Poppa," The Notorious B.I.G.
Caleb Rathjen, sr., Ankeny: "Way Out," Jack Harlow, feat. Big Sean
Bailey Roybal, sr., Waverly-Shell Rock: "HandClap," Fitz and The Tantrums
Hayden Taylor, jr., Solon: "Check Yes Or No," George Strait, or "Beer for My Horses," Toby Keith, feat. Willie Nelson
You can listen to these songs through Spotify below:
Cody Goodwin covers wrestling and high school sports for the Des Moines Register. Follow him on Twitter at @codygoodwin.