Cedar Rapids Xavier’s Josh Gerke wins on the mat and helps others with loss off it

CEDAR RAPIDS — Josh Gerke has experienced loss during his wrestling career.

He has overcome the disappointment and carried on to improve.

When the Cedar Rapids Xavier senior recognized others in his community had suffered greater losses, he wanted to help them cope with the pain that had accompanied tragedy.

Gerke was instrumental in the wrestling team's involvement with the school's 'Angel of Hope' ceremony, an annual vigil for those of all ages grieving the loss of a child or know someone who has.

'Service is what brings everyone together,' said Gerke, the sixth-ranked 145-pounder in Class 3A and returning state medalist. 'You learn you are supposed to give back to the community. It's something we are able to do at Xavier.'

The 'Angel of Hope' stands outside the east athletics entrance of the school. The statue rests atop a marble pedestal with a plaque offering a message of healing. It is one of just 124 placed in the nation.

Katie DeWees, a member of Xavier's 2014 class, was moved by the 2012 shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., that killed 20 young children and six staff members. She spearheaded the effort, raising $19,000 by selling a self-composed compact disc to bring the statue to the campus in July 2014. Gerke grew up with DeWees' brother, Chandler, and was moved to assist with the cause.

'I've been good friends with the DeWees family for quite awhile,' Gerke said. 'For Xavier, we wanted to do a service project for a team. I thought that would be good for the wrestling team to be a part of it.'

Xavier hosts the service every Dec. 6. People gather in the darkness for prayer, song, testimony and even silence.

This year, the temperature dipped into the 20s as people huddled where the cold paved parking lot meets the soft ground in front of the statue that was flanked by candles on each side.

A man approached the crowd and was greeted by one of the Saints wrestlers in attendance. He handed the stranger a thin candle, poking through the bottom of a clear small plastic cup that shielded the flame from wind and collected melted wax.

The gesture was both inclusive and symbolic.

'The leadership he shows these kids is that it's OK to have faith and be an athlete,' Xavier Coach Ryan Chambers said. 'As one of the leaders told us, these people are walking to us in the dark. The wrestlers walk to them with candles and give them light. The light at the end of their tunnel and they are dealing with this grief and the loss of somebody. It's pretty special.'

Gerke was inspired to reach out after recent deaths Xavier community members experienced since his freshman year, showing compassion to those who felt sorrow and honor the deceased.

'It's good for us to have a night to remember all those people that have come through Xavier,' Gerke said. 'It's good to get our community together.'

Chambers said Gerke wants to leave his mark on the school when he crosses the stage for graduation in the spring, excelling as a student, citizen and athlete.

'Josh is probably one of the most well-rounded and grounded kids that I've ever been associated with as far as discipline, whether it's in the classroom, the community, the wrestling mat, the football field or on the track,' Chambers said. 'He'll do anything you ask of him and he does it with pride to be a part of Xavier. He represents himself real well.'

He continues to set the example for the Saints. Chambers said he relies on Gerke to help bring along younger and inexperienced wrestlers on the team. They watch how Gerke conducts himself from the classroom to the locker room and in the wrestling room.

'These kids look up to him,' Chambers said. 'He knows that and that's his role. He takes that seriously.'

Gerke leads the way on the mat as well. He owns a 12-1 record and an individual title from the 25-team Independence Invitational the season's opening weekend. He missed an entire week due to a concussion, but returned to practice before the holiday break. Gerke said he has recovered.

'I thought I was wrestling really confident,' said Gerke, noting he is mentally tougher now. 'I think coaches have us ready. I'm feeling really good.'

Gerke has 127 career victories and is closing in on 100 career pins. After consecutive third-place district finishes and missing the state tournament his first two seasons, Gerke finished 45-7 last season, placing fifth at state.

'It was an awesome experience,' Gerke said. 'I had been there my freshman and sophomore year to watch my teammates compete. It was really special to be there.'

Gerke absorbed the electric environment, helping another Saint prepare for the final. As he viewed the title bout, he told himself he wanted that opportunity as a senior.

'It's huge,' Gerke said. 'It's what we've talked about since I was in middle school. I remember watching Clint Lembeck warm up for his match last year and how exciting it is. The atmosphere is just insane. It's been on my mind since I was a freshman.

'I have one last chance.'

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com