HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Wrapping up Xavier wrestling

Editor's note: Here is your chance to tell your story about your team, your school or your favorite player. If you'd like to join The Gazette's growing list of high school contributors, contact J.R. Ogden at jr.ogden@thegazette.com

By Shannon Mulcahey, Xavier seniorCEDAR RAPIDS - Seniors Sean Ickes, Nick Drahozal and Cole Turner and with sophomore Clint Lembeck were Xavier's 2014 state wrestling qualifiers.“These past winters are definitely something I'll take with me the rest of my life,” Drahozal said.The Saints finished 11th out of 57 teams in Class 3A. Turner placed third in the heavyweight division after losing his first-round match, but coming back through the consolation bracket. Lembeck finished fourth at 132 pounds and Drahozal placed fifth at 145 pounds. Ickes won his first-round match, but lost in the quarterfinals, 4-2.Turner, who started his wrestling career last year, qualified for state in the heavyweight division.“The biggest influence on my wrestling career has been Nick Drahozal because he is the one who got me to go out for wrestling last season,” Turner said. “The biggest lesson I learned from wrestling was that the more work you put into it, the more you get out, and the same is true in life.”Drahozal, who broke his older brother's career win record, participated in his first state meet.“The biggest influence was my brother, because I always wanted to be like him,” Drahozal said. “Once I got to Xavier, I always wanted to do what he did and then eventually surpassing what he did.”The state meet marks the end of their high school wrestling careers for the three seniors.“I'd like to thank God, my parents, family, coaches, teammates and everyone that deals with me in the halls,” Drahozal said.