No rest for this Raider

WILLIAMSBURG – J.C. Vercande is unlike any other wrestler Williamsburg wrestling coach Grant Eckenrod has worked with in 24 years.

The energizer bunny has nothing on the Raiders senior, according to his coach.

“He's just on the go all the time,” Eckenrod said. “I'm not sure he even sleeps. He's one of those kids that never stops moving.”

Vercande powered up and through his foes Saturday, posting a 5-0 record at Williamsburg's Raider Invitational.

The charged personality and style, on and off the mat, are natural for Vercande.

“Ever since I was little my mom has always said that I've been the most energetic kid she's ever seen,” said Vercande, stepbrother to University of Iowa All-American Derek St. John and former Williamsburg wrestler Hunter St. John. “I'm just always moving.”

That trait has paid dividends in competition. He never rests, keeping a high pace and always setting up scoring opportunities. While opponents are reacting to his immediate action, Vercande has his next in mind.

“He's always thinking three or four moves ahead,” Eckenrod said. “He's explosive. He's talented, but he's always moving. He never stops wrestling.”

The fifth-ranked 145-pounder dominated his way through his home tournament for the second straight year. Vercande (40-1) pinned all five opponents never reaching the third period. He has more than 20 pins this year and 109 in his career.

“Last year, I pinned my way through our tournament,” Vercande said. “This year I told myself I wanted to do it again. It was just an achievement for myself.”

Eckenrod and Vercande agree his strength is in the top position. He constantly works for the fall, using a “butcher” for most of them. He has worked hard to become stronger in the neutral position during his prep career.

“He's a great mat wrestler,” Eckenrod said. “He's improved on his feet. It's been fun to watch.”

Vercande pinned Perry's Gabe Sarmisch

His constant motion and thought process while riding opponents help set up his pins. Vercande doesn't take the mat with a specific strategy, but has five primary moves and takes advantage of what is available.

“If the first doesn't work, I go to the second, second doesn't work I go to the third,” Vercande said. “Eventually, most kids go over by the fifth if they're clicking for me.”

Vercande moved into second on the Raiders all-time wins list with his perfect performance Saturday. He surpassed Holden Blythe for second with his pin over Mount Pleasant's Jed Edgington in the third round and finished the day with 167 career wins.

“It's a big accomplishment,” said Vercande, who trails former teammate and three-time state champion Austin Blythe by 21. “I've been dreaming of becoming No. 1, but kind of hard being behind Austin.”

The one thing the Blythe brothers have that Vercande is still chasing is a state title. Vercande has been a state medalist his first three seasons, placing sixth the last two and eighth as a freshman. He hasn't been able to cap his state experiences with a win.

“I know he has been disappointed with the last three years with where he's finished, which he shouldn't be,” Eckenrod said. “He finished each with a loss and down fairly low (on the podium) and this year he plans on changing that.”

Vercande will attempt to join Austin Blythe as the only four-time state placewinners in Raiders history. Vercande's bedroom wall displays a sign that reads, “Take state or go home.” He doesn't want to settle for earning another medal in Des Moines.

“I'm tired of being at the bottom of the (state) podium and being on the right side,” Vercande said of where the even-numbered finishers stand in the medal presentation. “I want to be on top.”

Garrett Knepper and Aaron Schultz found themselves on top of their bracket Saturday, giving Williamsburg three champions. Knepper went 4-0, including three falls to win at 106. He notched a 5-4 win over Marion's Alex Hunter in the final round for the 126-pound crown. Trevor Knepper (132), Cody Marine (138), Travis Gorsch (160), Corbin Blythe (220) and heavyweight Dillon Blythe all placed second for the Raiders, which scored 173 points, seven points behind team champion Perry.

Hunter was Marion's top finisher. Levi Lochner placed third at 138 for the Indians.

Teams – 1. Perry 180, 2. Williamsburg 173, 3. Mount Pleasant 138, 4. Grinnell 135, 5. Pella 89, Marion 72

106 pounds – 1. Garrett Knepper (W), 2. Alec Mathews (MP); 113 – 1. Levi Azinger (Pel), 2. Tyler Lanphier (MP); 120 – 1. Austin Hiddleson (Per), 2. Chase Petty (Pel); 126 – 1. Aaron Schultz (W), 2. Alex Hunter (Mar); 132 – 1. Seth Stetzel (Per), 2. Trevor Knepper (W); 138 – Brody Beck (G), 2. Cody Marine (W); 145 – J.C. Vercande (W), 2. Gabe Sarmisch (Per); 152 – 1. Drew Niebuhr (Per), 2. Bryce Lidtka (G); 160 – 1. Jackson Vankirk (Per), 2. Travis Gorsch (W); 170 – 1. Keegan Davis (Per), 2. Jack Leshen (G); 182 – 1. Justin Dilks (MP), 2. Jared Keenan (G); 195 – 1. Corey Biedler (Per), 2. Jacob Dilks (MP); 220 – Kane Seeley (Per), 2. Corbin Blythe (W); Hwt. – 1. Houston Naakgeboren (Per), 2. Dillon Blythe (W).

[gallery columns="2"]