Father-son referee duo pin down lifelong dream on wrestling mat
By Olivia Tyler
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DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — Dale and Jared Acheson are celebrating a major milestone as they officiate the Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament together.
Dale Acheson has refereed wrestling in Iowa for 46 years and has worked the state tournament for 37 of them. He is a member of the Iowa High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame, recognition that reflects decades of dedication to the sport.
His son, Jared Acheson, has been a referee for 16 years, but it’s his first time officiating the state tournament, which he says has been a goal for as long as he can remember.
“Started coming to this tournament before I could even walk,” Jared said.
Dale reflected on past experiences at the tournament, saying, “I was here when Jared wrestled for Urbandale and finished 8th here. And to be here again with him on the mat in an official perspective is a great and lifelong dream.”
Earning a spot as a state tournament referee is no small feat, Dale said, that is why he’s so proud of his son.
“It’s difficult to get here. To be recognized by your peers that you’re good enough to be here,” he said. “To be sharing that with my son is wonderful.”
While several wrestlers are chasing the rare accomplishment of a fourth consecutive state title this year, the Achesons have achieved a milestone of their own — working Iowa’s premier high school wrestling event together.
“Somebody else is making a dream, and we get to be part of that,” Jared said.
For Dale, the significance runs even deeper.
“To be involved in this capacity at this level with my son — we’re a part of history,” he said.
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