Lion wrestlers open season Thursday at home against St. Eds

The Clear Lake wrestling team opens up its schedule Thursday, Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m. against Ft. Dodge St. Edmond.   The Lions begin the season ranked seventh in Class 2A; St. Ed’s is rated sixth in Class 1A.

“They usually do not have very many junior varsity kids, so we could be starting early,” stated Lion Coach Gary Weber. 

 “They have some good wrestlers who placed in State (probably wrestling at 120 and 220), so we need to be ready to go. Their team has been in the Regional Duals, so they have been very successful in recent years. I see their football team placed second in State, so they have some athletes.”

The Lions have four wrestlers in the season’s first rankings, reports Weber. 

Three-time State tournament place winner Andres Gonzalez is ranked third, junior Ryan Schmalen is ranked fourth; senior Connor Nosbisch is ranked fifth; and junior Brennen Doebel is ranked seventh. 

Gonzalez is expected to wrestle at 138.  Schmalen, who finished fourth at State last year, is listed as the Lions’ 106-pounder. Nosbisch, who also wrestled at State last season, is at 182, and Doebel will compete at 113.

  Weber said he is excited for the season to start and said he expects a very good year.

“Our kids are working very hard. We have 10 coaches this year who are offering valuable input to the program.”

  Saturday, the Lions travel to the St. Ansgar duals. New Hampton, Forest City, and Austin appear to be the toughest competition among the nine teams which will compete.