CPU’s Caleb Fuessley ready to do what it takes for state berth

CENTER POINT - Whatever it takes.

Center Point-Urbana's Caleb Fuessley learned more than technique and moves from former Stormin' Pointer three-time state champion and University of Iowa freshman Brock Rathbun. He received some advice to accomplish his state wrestling tournament dream that eluded him last season.

'It's one of my big goals,” the 113-pound sophomore said. 'It's been a goal since I was a little kid to make it down to Des Moines.

'I have to do whatever it takes to get down there.”

Fuessley looked in postseason form Saturday, going 5-0 with five pins, at the Center Point-Urbana Duals. Fennimore (Wis.) went unbeaten and won the team title.

Fuessley, ranked fifth in Class 2A, improved to 30-3 this season. He said he feels confident, which might be attributed to the training regimen. Fuessley has worked extra after practice, found additional workouts, wrestled with good partners and running daily.

'It's not about the beginning,” Fuessley said about this season. 'It's about what happens at the end. You have to push yourself to the end. It might be hard but you have to keep pushing and working.”

Rathbun was a strong influence in their short time as teammates. He was attentive, learning the ropes and attempting to follow in his state title footsteps.

Rathbun attended Saturday and they sat near each other after Fuessley's final victory.

'It was huge,” Fuessley said of wrestling with Rathbun. 'He basically took me under his wing for the months we wrestled together.

'We built a bond.”

The defending Wamac champion said he has improved in the bottom and neutral positions. He added that he moves better on his feet, taking shots and getting good practice repetitions. CPU Coach Matt Grennan has seen progress in another area.

'Caleb has always had the technique, drive and motivation,” said Grennan, praising his leadership ability. 'He's figured out the mental part of it. He realizes he is one of the best in the state.”

Among his pins Saturday, Fuessley stuck New London's 1A third-ranked Sam Loyd. a 2016 state finalist. Fuessley scored three takedowns, carrying Loyd to his back on the edge of the mat and finishing the bout in 5:48.

'He went out there with a goal in mind and stuck to it,” Grennan said. 'He's just ready to go.”

Fuessley is ready to reverse last year's postseason performance. He was a sectional champion and one of three ranked wrestlers, including two returning state medalists, at district. He finished third and didn't compete in Des Moines.

Fuessley has visualized punching his state ticket this year and reminds himself at the end of each day.

'Every night before I go to bed it's in my head,” Fuessley said. 'I don't ever want to feel the way I did last year. Let's work hard tomorrow. Let's do it.”

CENTER POINT-URBANA DUALS

At Center Point

Final results - 1. Fennimore (Wis.) 5-0, 2. Dubuque Wahlert 4-1, 3. Oelwein 2-3,, 4. New London 2-3, 5. Center Point-Urbana 2-3, 6. Mid-Prairie 0-5.

Center Point Urbana 39, New London 35

Fennimore (Wis.) 50, Oelwein 24

Dubuque Wahlert 64, Mid-Prairie 11

Fennimore (Wis.) 62, Center Point-Urbana 15

New London 58, Mid-Prairie 17

Dubuque Wahlert 41, Oelwein 33

Center Point-Urbana 48, Mid-Prairie 22

Fennimore (Wis.) 48, Dubuque Wahlert 22

New London 34, Oelwein 33

Dubuque Wahlert 51, Center Point-Urbana 30

Oelwein 60, Mid-Prairie 17

Fennimore (Wis.) 62, New London 15

Oelwein 45, Center Point-Urbana 33

Dubuque Wahlert 52, New London 22

Fennimore (Wis.) 74, Mid-Prairie 6

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