Area football players named to INA All-State teams

The Iowa Newspaper Association announced its 2012 All-State Football selections Tuesday.  The elite lists included two Clear Lake and two Garner-Hayfield/Ventura players.

Clear Lake’s Bryson Hamilton was a 2nd Team selection among Class 3A players.  The 6’4”, 204-pound senior was named to the Second Team defense as a lineman.  Hamilton made 20 solo and 32 assisted tackles in Clear Lake’s 8-3 season.  

Junior Pete Swenson was also among Class 3A’s top defensive player.  The 6’3”, 200-pound linebacker was named to the Class 3A Third Team.  During the 2012 season, Swenson had 24 solo tackles and assisted in 45. 

Garner-Hayfield/Ventura’s Alex Van Gerpen was a Class 2A First Team selection on offense.  The 5’9”, 185-pound senior led the district in rushing with 1,478 yards on 251 attempts.  He also collected four interceptions and recorded 19 touchdowns. 

Also named to the Class 2A All-State Team was Ryan Sonquist.  The 6’2”, 250-pound senior was a Class 2A Third Team pick as an offensive lineman.  Sonquist finished the season with 20 tackles and a sack.