Clear Lake wrestlers go 2-0 in NCC duals

The Clear Lake wrestling team picked up two big wins Thursday night, Dec. 18, against Hampton and Algona.  The victories put the Lions in second place in North Central Conference at 3-1, one meet behind second rated Clarion. 

“I thought we wrestled pretty well.   It is nice to see TJ Hauser healthy again and back in our line up. He will make us tough,” said Clear Lake Coach Gary Weber.  “Christiano Gonzalez also made his debut at 132-pounds, which added some punch to the line up.”

Clear Lake beat Hampton in the first meet of the night.  Recording wins were Ben Hillyer, Brennen Doebel, Ryan Schmalen, Ryan Leisure, Ryan Faught, Hauser, Logan Wilcke and Ace Walton.

“Those kids did a great job,” said Weber.  “Once again Doebel, Schmalen and Leisure moved up a weight class to help the team.  That is a real credit to them. Walton beat a real good kid and Faught and Wilcke had big pins for us.

In the second dual, the Lions crushed Algona.  Brothers Ben and Brad Hillyer each had big wins at 106 and 152. The big four of Doebel, Schmalen, Leisure and Faught all picked up pins, as did Walton.

Christiano Gonzalez made it down to 132 for the first time and added another big pin.

“Christiano is a very talented wrestler. He is going to be tough to beat at 132,” said Weber.  “With our new additions to our lineup, I think we are going to make a real push at being very good.   Logan Wilcke is going to move down to 170 and we will have two seniors at those two weights. Dalton Mennenga has done a real nice job, but he is only a freshman at a very big weight.  Christian Jacobs made his varsity debut also at 160.  Kyle Willms had two ranked wrestlers Thursday.”