Six area wrestlers advance to State Tournament

Four Clear Lake wrestlers and two from Garner-Hayfield/Ventura punched their ticket to state on Saturday at the District tournament held at Webster city.

Clear Lake’s Brennen Doebel (113), Ryan Schmalen (120), Ryan Leisure (126) and Ryan Faught (145) all placed first in the District meet and advance to the Iowa State Wrestling tournament.  GHV’s Conner Shaw (160) was also a winner, while Cade Baker (170) qualified as a runner-up.

“They all wrestled very well.  All four have been rated all year, so they lived up to their expectations,” said Clear Lake Coach Gary Weber about his Lions.  “We honestly had hoped to get all six down there, but it was not because of a lack of effort.”

Clear Lake’s Ace Walton (195) took third and Spencer Orr (138) finished in fourth place.

“Both boys wrestled hard, but just came up a little bit short,” said Coach Weber.  “They are both juniors, so I hope they work hard in the off-season and can get on the podium next year.”

Doebel, ranked second in the state, was dominating in earning the District title at 113-pounds.  He beat a 40-4 wrestler and a 38-5 wrestler, making both wrestlers look like beginners.

“They were actually both ranked and Brennen pinned them. He is on fire,” said Weber.

Schmalen, ranked second, had a couple close matches, winning 3-1 in the finals and 11-6 in the first round. 

“He has the State meet experience, so we look for him to open up at State,” said the coach.

Top ranked Ryan Leisure won both his matches by fall, with his win coming in the finals  in the first :30 seconds.

“He, too, is on a mission,” said Weber.

Ryan Faught, ranked sixth in the state, also went 2-0 at Districts with a pin and a 5-0 win.

“Ryan is a super hard worker and appears to be peaking at the right time. He also has high goals,” added Weber.

Weber credited his wrestlers’ performances to his coaching team.

“Our assistant coaches have been working extremely hard and it is showing up. Doebel executed a perfect single leg, which Coach Lester has been working on with him.  Coach Munn, Kopriva, Schmitt, Glynn and Christensen have also been working individually with the kids and it is showing up in their technique.  The coaches put in a ton of time with these guys and it is paying off. Strength coach Jesse Collins, trainer Keith Sears and nutritionist Margaret Dedic have also all contributed greatly to our season. The parents who gave these boys the opportunity to wrestle in the off-season and haul them all over the country also deserve some credit for their boys’ success.”

GHV qualifies two

For the first time since 2006, Garner-Hayfield/Ventura will be represented at the State Wrestling Meet.  

“Conner Shaw and Cade Baker are on a roll right now,” said Coach Steve Smith.  Shaw captured the District crown at 160 pounds, while Baker took second place at 170.  “Conner and Cade really get after things, so I think the State Tournament will be a lot of fun for them.  You can never count them out of a match.  They are both wrestling so well right now.”

Shaw (46-5) was tested in his semi-final match against Humboldt’s Mike Madsen (31-14).  The Cardinal pulled out a 1-0 win to advance to the championship match.  He won by major decision over Josh Strohman, of Algona, 10-2.

Baker won his semi-final match with a 603 decision over Daniel Sommerlot, of Pocahontas Area.  He was defeated in the first place match by Forest City’s Beau Sorenson in a 10-0 major decision.  

Three other GHV grapplers competed at the District Meet.  Austin Case placed fourth at 106, Andrew Dornbier was fourth at 120 - Read More Via e-Edition