Kremer takes down Cougar career record

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids Kennedy's Luke Kremer has etched his name in the Cougars' wrestling record book.

In his final match at the Mississippi Valley Conference tournament Saturday, the senior 132-pounder broke the school record for career takedowns, tallying his 438th as a prep.

He topped the old record of 437 set by Joey Slaton from 2002-05. Kremer said he realized the record was in reach midway through last year.

“It feels good,” Kremer said. “It's been a long time coming.

“It means something.”

Kremer thrives on his feet. He recalled working on takedowns a lot in middle school and became most comfortable on his feet.

“That's how I've wrestled anyway. Take them down and let them up,” said Kremer, whose total could be higher had he not missed three weeks due to mononucleosis as a freshman. “It worked with my style.”

He took the mat for the third-place match Saturday nine takedowns shy of Slaton's record. He scored 10. Kennedy Coach Brent Paulson told him to work toward the record before his 21-8 win over Aaron Brummel of Cedar Falls.

“That's the hardest he's worked in a match,” Paulson said. “It's something he's been working for for quite a long time.”

Racking up that many takedowns is tough, but Kremer gained confidence as they piled up.

“I knew it would be hard,” Kremer said. “After I got the first couple and felt the kid out I could do it if I kept working hard.”

Kremer, ranked third in Class 3A by The Predicament, is a three-time state qualifier, placing sixth and third the last two years. Kremer (31-5) said he would like another top three state finish.

The new takedown goal, however, is 450. Paulson wants him to destroy the old mark, while making a postseason run.

“I told him I want him to refocus on bigger things ahead,” Paulson said. “Instead of breaking it, he should work to shatter it.”