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Linn-Mar Wrestler Cael Paustian Dominates, Eyes State Title

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 22:59 GMT by The Gazette
      Locales: Iowa, UNITED STATES

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CEDAR RAPIDS - Cael Paustian, a senior wrestler at Linn-Mar High School, isn't just winning matches - he's dominating the competition, and is quickly becoming a name to watch in Iowa high school wrestling. Currently boasting a flawless 26-0 record at 132 pounds, and holding the No. 1 ranking in Class 3A, Paustian has earned the title of The Gazette's prep athlete of the week, and is poised for a deep run at the state championships.

What sets Paustian apart isn't just his undefeated record, but how he achieves victory. Coach Steve Williams describes Paustian as making "the difficult look routine." This ease isn't a product of natural talent alone, but the culmination of relentless hard work, a positive attitude, and an unwavering competitive spirit - qualities that permeate the entire Linn-Mar wrestling program.

Paustian's dedication extends beyond the current season. With a career record of 149-13, and three years of state qualifying experience (including a third-place finish last year), he's consistently proven his mettle on the biggest stage. But for Paustian, past accomplishments are merely stepping stones. "I'm always trying to get better," he states simply, encapsulating a growth mindset that fuels his success.

The pressure of expectation isn't new to Paustian. His father, Matt Paustian, experienced wrestling success at both the high school and collegiate levels, winning a state championship at Iowa City West and becoming a two-time All-American at Iowa State. This legacy provides both inspiration and mentorship. "He's taught me a lot about wrestling and about life," Cael acknowledges, highlighting the significant role his father plays in his development.

The younger Paustian clearly takes these lessons to heart. His commitment to training is exceptional. He is a near-constant presence in the wrestling room, diligently honing his technique and building strength. "Wrestling is a lot of hard work," he says, acknowledging the grueling demands of the sport. "There's no way around it." This acceptance of the challenge, and a willingness to embrace the grind, is a defining characteristic of his approach.

Paustian isn't relying on a single signature move; instead, he strives for complete mastery of the sport. "I try to be as complete a wrestler as possible," he explains, indicating a strategic approach that focuses on versatility and adaptability. This allows him to exploit weaknesses in his opponents and control the pace of the match.

As the season progresses, all eyes are on Paustian as he sets his sights on the ultimate goal: a state title. He doesn't shy away from the pressure, but embraces it as motivation. "That's the goal," he affirms. "I want to be the best I can be."

Coach Williams echoes this sentiment, expressing unwavering confidence in his star wrestler. "Cael has the talent, the drive, and the dedication to be a state champion," Williams says. "I'm excited to see what he can accomplish." The combination of innate ability, tireless work ethic, strong family support, and focused ambition paints a picture of a wrestler on the cusp of greatness. Cael Paustian isn't just a talented athlete; he's a testament to the power of dedication, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He's a wrestler to watch, and one who could very well etch his name into Iowa high school wrestling history.

Athlete Profile

Name: Cael Paustian School: Linn-Mar High School Sport: Wrestling Record: 26-0 (as of January 29, 2026) Rank: No. 1 in Class 3A Career Record: 149-13 Notable Achievements: Three-time state qualifier, third-place finish at state championships (2025)