Lembeck, Xavier wrestlers aiming higher this season

CEDAR RAPIDS - Xavier senior Clint Lembeck begins his last season of high school wrestling as one of the best in his weight division.

Lembeck is competing in the 138-pound division and prepared for the season by going to different clubs, lifting and rehabilitating his knee.

'I placed third at state last year, so my personal goal this year would be to win a state title and to take more shots,” Lembeck said.

The Saints are working toward their team goal of winning as many dual meets as possible and to getting individuals to state. Lembeck, along with senior Jeff Vipond and junior Josh Gerke, are a few wrestlers who have a chance to lead the Saints to a state berth at Wells Fargo Arena.

'I think it is important to constantly improve this year because we have a lot of younger guys,” Gerke said. 'Also, I personally want to stop overthinking matches and take what I learn in practice out on the mat.”

The Saints opened the season with a dual loss to Iowa City West and competed in the Independence Invitational on Saturday. The wrestle at Kennedy on Thursday and the Mount Vernon Invitational on Saturday.

'I think with a full lineup we have a shot to win a lot more dual meets than last year,” Coach Kyle Mallie said. 'If the team works hard and they get better every day, we have a chance to do well.”