Happel heads to Hawkeyes

LISBON - Carter Happel is following his hometown hero, and fulfilling a goal in the process.

As a youth in Lisbon, Happel grew up watching Ryan Morningstar win three state titles for the Lions and become an All-American for the University of Iowa. Morningstar made a strong impression on Happel.

'I've always wanted to be coached by Morningstar,” Happel said. 'I've said it since I was in high school and he became a coach.”

The hometown ties were strong and ultimately helped him to decide where to continue his wrestling career. Happel announced Tuesday that he committed to wrestle for the Hawkeyes and head coach Tom Brands next year.

Happel, a three-time state champion for Lisbon, waited until he finished his official visits, including a weekend trip to the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Iowa State was in the mix early but didn't make the top two. The choice was clear.

'I think it really hit home (Monday) when I talked to my parents,” Happel said. '(My mom) said then what are you waiting for?”

Happel has plenty of connections to Iowa City. In addition to knowing Morningstar, he trains with the Eastern Iowa Wrestling Club, his dad, Dean, was a three-time Lisbon state champion who also wrestled at Iowa, and Lisbon Coach Brad Smith was an NCAA champion for the Hawkeyes.

'I felt it was the place for me,” Happel said. 'Definitely, there is a lot of tradition at Iowa with Lisbon.”

Smith said he did little to advise Happel, but he is excited by the decision. He said Iowa's staff and the talented workout partners will help Happel reach his potential.

'It's a good fit because he is a top-quality kid,” Smith said. 'He's earned his way to get to that level.

'He'll find his way in the lineup. I'm confident of that.”

Happel isn't concerned with the future competition in the Iowa wrestling room. He buys into the 'iron sharpens iron” mentality and discussed that with Brands. He welcomes the daily challenge and the opportunity to learn from accomplished international wrestlers. The Hawkeye Wrestling Club boasts current U.S. World team members Brent Metcalf and Tony Ramos.

'There are a lot of tough guys in that room,” said Happel, a national champion and 2014 Cadet World team member. 'Another thing is I like freestyle and they have a lot of guys training there in the off-season.”

Happel has developed into one of the state's top wrestlers, and has the chance to become one of the most accomplished Iowa preps in state history. He is 153-1, winning 117 straight matches. He captured the Class 1A 138-pound title last year, claiming crowns at 132 and 120 the previous two seasons. He has 96 career pins and has a legit shot at the all-time wins mark of 208 shared by current Hawkeye All-American Brandon Sorensen, Underwood's Andrew Foutch and Albia's Shadow Leshen.

He will attempt to be the 24th four-time state champion in state history, joining Lisbon's Scott Morningstar (1977-80) and Shane Light (1987-90).

A big part of his success is his work ethic. It isn't merely punching the clock but the improvements made during that time. Happel has ascended the ranks.

'He knows how to train,” Smith said. 'Some kids train but don't do it smart. He trains smart. That is the difference.”

Happel plans to wrestle at 138 this season for the Lions and expects to be a 141-pounder in college.

'He has a passion for wrestling,” Smith said. 'If you have passion, are athletic, which he is, and work at it, you will be successful at the Division I level.”

Happel wasn't the only one to commit to Iowa on Tuesday. Bettendorf state champion Jack Wagner announced he selected the Hawkeyes. He chose Iowa over Nebraska.

'I can't envision anything other than with Iowa,” Wagner said. 'I have the mentality that I like to score points. I like to be physical.”

Wagner won the 3A 113-pound title last year for the Bulldogs and owns a 115-9 career record.

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