SIOUX FALLS — Before he heads to the Appalachian Mountains, Ayson Rice climbed atop the South Dakota wrestling ranks once again.

The Canton High School senior won the Class B 150-pound division at the South Dakota state wrestling tournament Saturday at the Denny Sanford Premier Center. It was Rice’s fourth straight Class B state wrestling title, equaling the feat accomplished by 11 other wrestlers in the class. 

“It was a lot of relief,” Rice said. “Because I came into this day kind of nervous because Braden Sehr (of Canton in 2021) ended up losing his senior year and Sloan Johannsen (of Watertown) he just ended up losing. So I was kind of nervous. So I knew I could go out there and perform and I knew I wasn't scared to.”

Like he’s done time and time again, Rice dominated his championship match en route to the fourth straight Class B title. He picked up a 19-3 technical fall over Philip/Kadoka Area/Wall’s Ryker Peterson.

Rice recorded five takedowns on his way to the convincing victory. 

“I really focused on trying to control the hand fight and making sure he didn’t really even have a chance to score on me at all,” Rice said. “I really wanted to cement it into his head that he didn’t have a chance and I wanted to show how dominant of a wrestler I am.” 

Rice also helped Canton capture another Class B wrestling championship, its seventh straight title. As a team, Canton scored 170.5 points and finished ahead of Philip/Kadoka Area/Wall (151.5) for the title. 

When asked what was the best part about wrestling for the C-Hawks, Rice responded: “I would probably say the dynasty that we’ve created and what I have done while wrestling there,” he said. 

Rice also praised the Canton coaches Jeremy Swenson, Parker Swenson, Kyle Seibel, Marshall Baldwin and Mike Walker for his development as a wrestler. He also gave a shout out to his parents, Maggie and Aaron Rice.

“I just want to give a big thanks to my parents,” Rice said. “Because I wouldn't be where I am without them.”

Up next, Rice will wrestle collegiately for Division I Appalachian State in North Carolina. 

“I can’t wait,” Rice said. “I am flying out there after I graduate to train with them before U23s. I am excited.”