Linn-Mar’s Lembeck commits to Iowa

Ross Lembeck received a call from the University of Iowa Coach Tom Brands at the start of his senior wrestling season.

The conversation persuaded him to consider wrestling for the Hawkeyes. His official visit sealed the deal.

Lembeck confirmed with The Gazette on Thursday that he has verbally committed to the wrestle at Iowa next year, following the footsteps of recent Linn-Mar champions Jay Borschel and Matt McDonough.

Lembeck had watched the Hawkeyes since he was young, and described it as a dream to wear the signature black-and-gold singlet.

'I went there on a visit and I liked everything about it,' Lembeck said. 'It was everything I expected and more.'

The four-time state medalist also looked at University of Northern Iowa, Northern Illinois and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He was attracted the aggressive and offensive approach on the mat associated with the Hawkeyes program.

'I just like the Iowa way, grinding your opponent until he can't continue,' Lembeck said. 'That's what I love about it, and I love the coaches and everything.'

Iowa was on the periphery of choices, but became the main option after the influential call from Brands. Lembeck said it was almost 'undeniable' after it.

'Just to get the opportunity to wrestle at Iowa City for this team is big to me,' Lembeck said. 'I'm really looking forward to helping them out the most I can and make an impact.'

Lembeck wrestled for Lions Coach Doug Streicher, who was an All-American for Iowa placing sixth at the 1990 NCAA Championships. His father, Chris, was a 1988 All-American at UNI, finishing fifth.

He went 121-13 in his high school career, earned a Class 3A state runner-up finish at 145 pounds as a sophomore. He placed third at 152, posting a 19-1 mark as a senior. Lembeck placed fifth at 152 as a junior and was seventh at 135 his freshman season. He said he projects to wrestle at 157 or 165, depending on how much he continues to grow the next four years.

'I know the level of discipline it takes to compete at that level,' said Chris Lembeck, who coach Lisbon to 1A state team titles in 1992 and 1993. 'I know Ross has that. I know he'd love nothing more than to contribute to the strength of the Hawks.'

The younger Lembeck has a reserved demeanor on the mat, showing little emotion. Chris Lembeck said his son is excited for the next challenge.

'He seems quite geared up for it,' Chris Lembeck said. 'He had a great visit. He got back and ever since then he's been pretty focused on being a Hawkeye.'

He is also focused to be another Lion to win a title for Iowa. Borschel was a four-time state champ who won an NCAA title in 2010. McDonough won three state crowns, capping his college career as a two-time NCAA champion and three-time national finalist. Lembeck looks to stay healthy and get stronger.

'I want to become a national champion,' said Lembeck, who has missed time the last two seasons to a knee injury. 'That's my main goal. I hope to be the third guy from Linn-Mar to become national champion at Iowa.'

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