Linn-Mar senior Kane Naaktgeboren ready for one last run to state title

MARION — Kane Naaktgeboren displayed two sheets of paper in sight.

One is posted on his bathroom mirror. The other fixed in his wrestling locker. They serve as added motivation to reach his best.

“(They are) the 14 kids ranked above in the country and the kids in the state this year,” Naaktgeboren said. “I look at that every day and I know if I’m not training my hardest that they will catch me or stay ahead of me.”

Linn-Mar’s three-time state medalist returns from a runner-up finish last season. Naaktgeboren has his sights set on the elusive state title after climbing higher on the podium each year.

The quest crosses his mind daily.

“That’s been my goal since I was a little kid,” said Naaktgeboren, an Iowa State signee who was 37-3 with 29 pins as a junior. “Now, I’m dreaming a little bigger, too, but that’s one thing that I’ve wanted to do forever. Get that high school state title.

“Every day, every moment, I’m training that’s in the back of my mind.”

Naaktgeboren has already produced a career many would accept. He was fifth as a freshman and third as a sophomore. He pinned his way to last season’s Class 3A 138-pound state final, falling to Waverly-Shell Rock four-time finalist and three-time champion Ryder Block.

His dedication to the sport extends beyond the season and has been a source of success.

“A lot of consistency,” Linn-Mar Coach Doug Streicher said. “He trains quite a bit outside of our season. You can tell. It pays off.”

Offseason work catapulted Naaktgeboren from a good wrestler to one of the state’s best. He has devoted his springs and summers to freestyle and Greco-Roman styles. He worked out Sunday through Thursday, trying to find an open room at Big Game, Linn-Mar or even in Ames. He actually finds a respite in training.

“I love it, so I don’t get sick of it,” Naaktgeboren said. “That is my getaway. If I’m bored, I go and wrestle.”

The extra effort influenced the strides he has made from year to year. Naaktgeboren is reaping the rewards of his strong work ethic.

“It’s everything,” Streicher said. “To get to the level he is at, you almost have to do it.”

Naaktgeboren developed a niche in Greco-Roman, learning from former Iowa City West state champion and Big Game Wrestling Club founder and coach Dylan Carew. He has earned All-America honors in Greco-Roman the last two years. Naaktgeboren has applied some of that technique to folkstyle, which made him a better all-around wrestler.

“It’s crazy to think about I learned Greco when I was a sophomore in high school with Dylan and being able to wrestle upper body all the way through the body and score a lot more points like that,” said Naaktgeboren, who credited Carew and Big Game with changing wrestling from an activity to a passion his eighth-grade year. “It’s easy for guys to adapt to just one style. When you throw in a whole other style it’s pretty hard for them to keep with you.”

Another side to Naaktgeboren exists. Streicher said Naaktgeboren offsets his wrestling intensity with a fun-loving personality that sometimes borders on goofy. Streicher said Naaktgeboren balances the importance of wrestling with a social life, friends outside the sport and academics.

“He’s a breath of fresh air,” Streicher said. “He’s someone you really enjoy talking to. It’s about wrestling sometimes but not all the time. It’s been fun watching him mature over the last four years.”

Naaktgeboren has started to show signs of leadership in his final season. He may have deferred to teammates to fill that role, including his two-time state champion brother, Tate, who is a current Cyclone wrestler.

“He’s growing into that role that he’s found for himself,” Streicher said. “You can see it pretty quickly this fall with open rooms and what we’re trying to do early this season. The things he’s talking to kids about. He’s very relatable to kids.”

Naaktgeboren has prepared for a seasons of “lasts” with the hope that it ends in a first. He is going to savor each moment with his team in practice and competition.

“It’s one last shot,” Naaktgeboren said. “I’ve got one last of everything – Donnybrook, conference, district, state and home duals. I have to make the most of everything.

“It will be a little emotional, going through it, but have some fun this year.”

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com